Seeking partnerships to construct a naya (new) Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday said that those who did not participate in the roundtable meet will join once they see obvious merits in sharing ideas.
In his opening remarks at the roundtable conference, which brings together political leaders and intellectuals from all the three regions of the state, Manmohan said, "We can reconcile our differences, if we are guided by this vision.
"I am also confident that others who are not here will eventually join us once they see the obvious merits in sharing ideas and working together."
The Prime Minister made this veiled reference to the Hurriyat Conference and other separatist groups, who had spurned the offer of joining the roundtable conference.
While thanking all those who responded to the invitation, the Prime Minister said, "I know each one of you has given a great deal of thought to the situation in the state".
Sharing his thoughts and idea behind holding the conference, the Prime Minister said "Jammu and Kashmir has been on top of the agenda of our government...The economic revitalisation of the state has been a priority area."
{{/usCountry}}Sharing his thoughts and idea behind holding the conference, the Prime Minister said "Jammu and Kashmir has been on top of the agenda of our government...The economic revitalisation of the state has been a priority area."
{{/usCountry}}He said that his government had initiated a political dialogue with those outside the mainstream electoral system including Hurriyat Conference. "I have stated on several occasions that I am personally willing to meet and talk to anyone from the state who eschews violence."