Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Friday said India wants a meaningful dialogue with Pakistan but this will not be impossible if terrorist activities continued in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country.
Inter-State Council in Srinagar: Complete coverage
The prime minister was addressing a press conference in Jammu.
Asked whether the Centre has thought of a solution to the Kashmir tangle, Vajpayee said such problems take time in solving. "For so many years, no solution has been found. It will take time. Even if talks have not begun, a conducive atmosphere would have to be created for holding meaningful talks," he said.
On the Pakistani demand for ceasefire across the Line of Control, he said: "I cannot understand. If they stop firing, there will be a ceasefire. There is no violence from our side."
On the situation in J&K, Vajpayee said there has been a change. "People are more relaxed. The government is doing purposeful work."
Asked if his government will talk to the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Vajpayee said: "If Hurriyat leaders are willing to talk, they are welcome."
About Hurriyat's insistence on talking only to the prime minister, he said it is for the Centre to decide at what level the talks will take place.
Taking exception to reports of his ill-health, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared he is hale and hearty.
Referring to reports that he fell down at the airport, Vajpayee said: "Don't you see I am 'bhala changa,' he said.
