Kohima: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on October 28 asked extremist organisations in the North East to shun the path of violence and announced a slew of measures to improve the infrastructure and further the development of the region.

"I appeal to the misguided organisations in this region which have taken to the path of extremism and violence to shun that path. The Centre is willing to have talks with all those who are ready to give up the gun culture and take to the culture of dialogue and democracy," Vajpayee said while inaugurating the Indira Gandhi Stadium here.

He said, "without peace there can be no private sector investment and thus no development. Without Development there can be no employment."

Vajpayee said, "there is no issue which cannot be resolved through long and patient dialogue. Our experience in Nagaland has shown this".

Observing that he was "convinced" that there was overwhelming desire among the Naga people for permanent peace with honour and dignity, he said the Centre has an "equally strong desire for permanent peace in Nagaland based on a lasting solution with honour and dignity for its people".

"It is this mutual desire that has driven the (Naga) peace process forward. If we continue to work together in an atmosphere of mutual trust, understanding and patience, the day is not far when we reach our goal", he said.

PTI