'Govt open to talks for constructive exchanges in J&K'

The Congress said the Govt was willing to talk to those who believe in more autonomy but not with those who owe their allegiance to foreign countries.

With no sight of an early end to the impasse in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress on Wednesday said the government was willing to talk to those who believe in more autonomy but not with those who owe their allegiance to foreign countries.

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"The UPA has said the government was open to dialogue with those who want alternative models of autonomy but there was no question of dealing with the terrorists or those who owe allegiance to a foreign inimical country like Pakistan," party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporters here.

Singhvi claimed that considerable progress has been made in talks with the Jammu-based Sangharsh Samiti.

"We are happy that the BJP, trying to fish in troubled waters, has been kept at a safe distance by the samiti," he said, adding, "such initiatives will restore peace and calm in the sensitive state".

Singhvi said the UPA government wants all the disagreeing groups on the negotiating table.

"The government is open for all constructive elements to engage in constructive exchanges... Equally, there was no question of dealing with terrorists," he said.

The spokesman said those who want more autonomy are on a different footing than those who want secession.

"For those who want secession, there is a single and firm message," he said, adding, "the decades-old resolution of Parliament that Pak Occupied Kashmir is an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir is still valid".