Saturday, February 25 2006 20:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Feb 25 2006) asked Home Minister Shivraj Patil to form a high-level group of officials to examine all current cases of detention and release all such detenues, not facing serious charges, by the end of next month.

Singh, in his concluding remarks at the seven-hour long marathon round-table conference on Kashmir, said "I do recognise that we should carry on the task of winning the hearts and minds of the people. The problem of detention under various acts is certainly an issue of concern."

"I am requesting the Home Minister to form a high level group of officials to examine all current cases of detention and see whether it is possible to release all detenues against whom there are no serious cases. I think that this should be done before the end of March. I am sure this will go a long wait in assuaging the feelings of the people."

A statement "adopted" at the round-table conference, first ever of its kind, reaffirmed that violence has no place in a civilised society and that all concerned should uphold basic human rights.

"This journey is a long one and requires patience and fortitude and above everything else, the involvement of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Participants hoped that those who chose to stay away from today's conference will participate in future meetings," the statement said.

The Prime Minister also indicated during his closing speech that the second roundtable conference would be held in May this year in Srinagar.