Jammu: Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today (Jan 27, 2004) said the Centre was ready to hold talks with anyone "who stands up against violence" in Jammu and Kashmir but appeared to be disinclined towards an internal ceasefire in the State.

Advani, who made his first visit to the forward areas along the line of control (LoC) in the State, said the Government could not "afford to let down our vigil" on the borders although there had been no shelling or firing since Indo-Pak ceasefire came into effect in November 2003.

"Government is willing to talk to anyone who stands up against violence. Hurriyat leaders had been invited and they responded," he told reporters when asked whether the Government intended to invite other separatist groups for a dialogue.