Still grappling with the Amarnath land row, the Centre on Tuesday favoured engaging groups from Jammu as well as the Kashmir valley in talks to resolve the crisis.
At an all-party meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, it was felt that all the groups concerned from Jammu as well as the Kashmir valley should work together for restoring peace and normalcy in the sensitive border state.
"The government will take steps to engage all the groups concerned from Jammu as well as the Kashmir valley in talks so that the issues could be resolved amicably to the satisfaction of all concerned," Patil told reporters after the over three-hour meeting.
He said no solution could be found without taking both the sides along.
Kashmir: Seven protestors killed in police firing
The two rounds of talks by leaders of the parties which visited Jammu and Srinagar over the weekend failed to arrive at a consensus with no commonality in various suggestions made by them.
The home minister said several options were suggested at Tuesday's meeting, like initiating the dialogue process by inviting representatives of both Jammu and Kashmir regions , sending a delegation to the state, or the Centre constituting a committee to start the talks.
The four-member committee constituted by Governor N N Vohra can also initiate a dialogue.
'J&K unrest is the handiwork of politicians'
Patil said all necessary steps have been taken to ensure uninterrupted movement of vehicles on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.
Patil said there was no blockade on the highway and other parts of the country, and there was no obstacle in the way of movement of fruits and other items. "Therefore, there is no reason for agitation on this issue."
"Besides, more facilities will be provided to the Amarnath pilgrims by both the Central as well as the State governments and there was no objection from any quarter," he said.
The Home Minister also appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to remain calm and help the authorities to restore peace. "I wish wisdom and goodwill prevail in Jammu and Kashmir and peace restored," he said.
Pix: In Jammu, a tangled tale is written in blood
Asked to comment about prevailing situation in the state following the death of several people in the past two days, Patil said the Centre was "watching the situation.We will leave no stone unturned to solve the present crisis."
On possibility of the Hurriyat Conference participating in any future talks with the Government, Patil said the amalgam did take part in two rounds of dialogue with the Prime Minister but later refused to participate in the process.
"The policy of the Government is not to deny anyone one's right to expression," he said.
The home minister said the move of a section of people in the valley to "forcefully" transport fruits to Pakistan- occupied Kashmir was "not appropriate" as Islamabad and New Delhi were yet to make any agreement on cross-LoC trade.
© 2024 Rediff.com -