Imphal: Extending an "open invitation" to any group, including ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom), keen on resolving all outstanding problems in the North East (NE), Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Nov 21, 2004) said that the Centre was willing to hold talks with anyone who shunned violence.

Singh said that Myanmar has assured New Delhi that its soil will not be allowed to be used for any insurgency activity against India.

"Our Government is willing to talk to any group which shuns the path of violence and seeks peaceful resolution of all outstanding problems," he told reporters in Imphal before leaving for Guwahati.

Pointing out that there had been "overtures" on behalf of ULFA, the Prime Minister said, "This is an open invitation to all those young men and women who have taken to arms to give up their path and work with us to bring about peace and prosperity in all NE States."

Asked about the help being extended to insurgents from across the borders in Myanmar, he said its President Gen Than Shwe had recently during his visit to New Delhi assured that he would not allow use of his territory for insurgency operations directed against India.