File picture of the Rajya Sabha.
The Union Home Ministry today said that it is open to a dialogue with those groups in Jammu and Kashmir which "eschew the path of violence and are willing to work within the framework of the Constitution of India".
The statement from Minister of State for Home Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary came in response to a query in the Rajya Sabha about whether Indian Government has any plans to initiate talks with separatist groups of Jammu and Kashmir to help restore peace in the state.
"The government remains open to dialogue with those who eschew the path of violence and are willing to work within the framework of the Constitution of India," he said adding that the Centre and the state have adopted a multi-pronged approach to contain cross-border infiltration.
This included proactively taking suitable measures by security forces to safeguard the borders from cross-border terrorism and to contain militancy, Mr Chaudhary said.
The Minister also said the government has adopted various counter measures to neutralise efforts and capabilities of militants to disturb peace in the state and to encourage policies for youth which includes providing employment opportunities to wean them away from militancy.
Others steps being taken are to ensure that the democratic process is sustained and primacy of civil administration is restored and peace process sustained besides providing adequate opportunities to all sections of the people in the state who do not engage in violence, he said.
Mr Chaudhary said necessary steps have also been taken to ensure check on illegal activities of separatist elements with stringent legal action being taken where violation is detected.