Jammu and Kashmir invites separatists for talks

Jammu and Kashmir government has invited separatist leaders, including chairmen of both the factions of Hurriyat Conference, for talks on the resolution of Kashmir issue.

"Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq should come forward, put forth their viewpoint and hold talks with the prime minister (Manmohan Singh)," law and Parliamentary affairs minister AM Sagar told a gathering at Batgund, 90km from Srinagar in frontier district of Kupwara, yesterday.

Sagar said dialogue was the only way to resolve issues as gun has brought death and destruction in the state. "Children who should have pen in their hands were handed guns...".

He accused opposition PDP of "needlessly" raising a hue and cry over human rights violations.

For the first time in 20 years, a BSF personnel has been arrested in connection with a murder case, he claimed adding that no action was taken against the security forces accused of killing innocent persons when PDP was in power.

No action or FIR was lodged when 70 youths were killed during Amarnath land row in 2007-08, he said.