Saturday, February 25 2006 14:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Expressing confidence that differences can be reconciled, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today(Feb 25,2006) sought the partnership of Kashmiri leaders to construct a 'new' Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh in a spirit of 'mutual tolerance, understanding and accommodation'.

Addressing a Round Table Conference convened by him, of leaders and intellectuals from the three regions, he told them "You are the real stakeholders in the future of Kashmir".

Singh termed as "unfortunate" incidents in the last few days in which innocent civilians have been casualties. "This was and is not the intention of the Armed Forces," he said in an apparent reference to Handwara in North Kashmir where four youths were killed by the forces in a case of mistaken identity.

"I was grieved by the incident and at the loss of innocent lives. I fully sympathise with the sentiments of the people who are hurt by this incident," he said.

Singh said Army has been asked to take "remedial measures" so that such incidents do not recur in future.

The Hurriyat Conference and some other separatist leaders stayed away from the meeting which brought together over 60 representatives for the first time. It was attended by Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, National Conference chief Omar Abdullah, PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti and others.

Abdullah said he had raised the issue of more autonomy for the State.