'Govt willing to talk to all political groups in J&K'

President made it clear that the rule of law will be upheld in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast.

President APJ Abdul Kalam on Thursday made it clear that terrorism, militancy and extremism would be firmly dealt with and the rule of law will be upheld in J&K and Northeast.

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Kalam said Government's is willing to hold talks with all political groups in militancy-hit Jammu and Kashmir and Northeast to address their "real or imaginary" grievances.

Government remained deeply committed to national security and pursued a two-pronged approach of reaching out to disaffected sections of the society while dealing firmly with terrorists and other anti-national forces.

"There has been an improvement in the law and order situation across the country, especially in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeastern states. The number of incidents of civilians killed and persons kidnapped in both Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast have registered a decline in the last year," Kalam said.