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Govt ready to talk to militants, says Advani

Home Minister L K Advani today said the Centre was ready for a dialogue with all concerned, including militant outfits, for restoration of peace in the troubled state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking to reporters during his trip to Ahmedabad, Advani said the government would explore the possibilities for talks on the lines of similar negotiations in the disturbed north-east region.

''If the militant outfits lay down arms and leave the path of violence, the government would have no hesitation in opening talks with them,'' he said.

Describing the release of three Hurriyat leaders as a significant step, Advani said this was an effort to open dialogue with militant groups.

The home minister ruled out any dialogue with Pakistan in the present situation. According to him, talks cannot be initiated till the latter ended the proxy war in the valley.

At this juncture, any effort to open dialogue with pakistan would be an exercise in futility, he added.

UNI

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