New Delhi: The Centre would soon begin talks with separatist groups including the Hurriyat Conference in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today (Dec 12, 2003) said after a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani.

"Talks with separatist groups, including Hurriyat, would begin soon after necessary objectives are achieved," he told reporters.

Sayeed said, "I came here to give some suggestions about the dialogue process initiated by the Centre for Jammu and Kashmir separatists and to brief the Government about the developments in the State ahead of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation) Summit."

Though the Chief Minister refused to divulge the suggestions he made at the 20-minute meeting, official sources said he wanted all separatist groups, including that of pro-Pakistan hardliner Sayeed Ali Shah Geelani, to be invited for the talks.

Referring to the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in the State, Sayeed said it has come as a great relief to the people, especially those living in border areas.

He said people of the State were now realising the evil designs of militants trying to destabilise the peace process.

"The people are all out to thwart any such attempt detrimental to the peace process," Sayeed said.

PTI