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Advani optimistic about J&K initiative

Union Home Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani said on Wednesday that the peace initiative started by the government on Jammu and Kashmir would yield desired results.

He told rediff.com after opening an exhibition of line cartoons by Ranga, that things were moving in the right direction.

"We have started peace talks with various people on Jammu and Kashmir. I have no doubt that the things are moving in the right direction and the process of dialogue started by the Government of India would yield desired results," he said.

However the home minister refused to answer a question about the escalation of tension on the Indo-Bangladesh border.

Later, Minister of State for Home Affairs I D Swami said that the appointment of K C Pant, the deputy chairman of the Planning Commission to hold talks with various factions in Kashmir, was going on smoothly.

"The message has gone loud and clear to all those who are interested in bringing peace in Kashmir that the government was making a sincere effort to solve the problem. We hope that all those who want to see peace in Kashmir would come forward and participate in the talks initiated by Pantji," he said.

On whether the Hurriyat Conference had sent positive signals on holding talks with the government representative, Swami said that government feedback pointed in that direction.

"The Hurriyat Conference held a meeting in Srinagar to consider the government proposal and our feedback is that they too have got a message and we hope that they would respond positively," Swami told rediff.com.

Pant has invited former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister G M Shah todiscuss the Kashmir problem and give his suggestions. Shah would meet Pant on April 24, he added.

It is learnt that various militant factions and political parties from the state have also been extended similar invitations.

The Complete Coverage: The Ceasefire in J&K

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