Sunday, February 26 2006 10:35 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The first ever round-table conference on Jammu and Kashmir yesterday(Feb 25,2006) asserted that violence has no place in a civilised society and all concerned should uphold basic human rights as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed confidence that a common understanding on autonomy and self-rule could be reached within the 'vast flexibilities' of the Constitution.

As a follow up of the process that began yesterday, attended by leaders of various political parties, NGO and intellectuals from Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh but boycotted by separatist groups including Hurriyat, it was decided that the seocond round-table conference would be held in Srinagar in second helf of May.

Singh also asked Home Minister Shivraj Patil to form a high-level group of officials to examine all current cases of detention and release all those detenues not facing serious charges by the end of next month.

At the end of the seven-hour long meeting, the round table adopted a statement welcoming the Prime Minister's initiative.

In his concluding remarks, Singh said a variety of views have been expressed on the issue of autonomy and self-rule.

"I recognise that there are many differing views and perception on this issue. There is a need to evolve a common understanding on the issue of autonomy and self-rule for the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

"I am confident that working together with all groups, both within and outside the mainstream, we can arrive at arrangements with the vast flexibilities provided by the constitution, arrangements which provide real empowerment and comprehensive security to all people of Jammu and Kashmir," Singh said.