Friday, May 26 2006 11:08 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: In a new initiative to usher in peace in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday (May 25, 2006) announced his decision to discuss autonomy and self-rule for the state and declared the government's readiness to talk to militants if they shun violence.

Wrapping up a two-day visit here during which he chaired the second Roundtable Conference on Kashmir, he also sought to give a healing touch by saying that government will rehabilitate destitute families of terrorists killed in police action and discuss the issue of missing persons.

Singh, who announced setting up of five working groups to discuss various issues relating to J&K, including devolution of powers, also regretted boycott by Hurriyat Conference of the Roundtable and hoped better sense will prevail on the separatist amalgam to join the dialogue process.

Noting that time had come to establish 'credible mechanisms to carry on the dialogue process with various sections in J&K, he told the concluding session of the conclave that setting up of the working groups was the best way to move forward and ensure that the views of different segments are incorporated.

One of these groups will deliberate on matters relating to the special status of J and K within the Indian Union and methods of strengthening democracy, secularism and the rule of law in the state.

"One of these working groups will deal with the Centre-State relations. This group will take on board autonomy, self-rule and all other related issues," Singh said elaborating at a press conference later.