By IANS,
New Delhi : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday said the government was ready for dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir if separatists shed violence.
“I would like to appeal to all the groups outside the political mainstream that our government is ready for dialogue if they shed violence,” the prime minister told a press conference to mark the first year of his United Progressive Alliance government.
“I would like to review the developmental programme (in the state). We have a democratic government (in the state) and how it is functioning we would like to discuss,” he added, about his upcoming visit to the state.
The prime minister also referred to Pakistan, which controls a third of Jammu and Kashmir.
“We are willing to discuss with Pakistan all outstanding issues. Pakistani territory should not be used to spread terror in India or against India,” he said.