New Delhi, Dec 2 (IANS) Holding that it favoured “quiet talks” to resolve the Kashmir issue, the Indian government said Wednesday it was prepared to talk to groups across the spectrum in the state to find a solution.
“I am in favour of quiet talks, and quiet diplomacy far off from the glare of the media,” Home Minister P. Chidambaram said during question hour in the Rajya Sabha. “At the appropriate stage, I will share with the house the contours of the settlement that may emerge.

“The prime minister and I offered to talk to every shade of public opinion, including registered political groups and groups that fall under the (separatist) Hurriyat banner. There has been a very positive response to the government offer to hold talks. I believe a solution will emerge through the process of quiet talks,” the minister said.

“If I am asked to disclose details (of the talks) at this stage, it will defeat the purpose of quiet talks.”

Chidambaram denied a suggestion that inviting separatist groups for the talks without laying down conditions was tantamount to giving in to their demand for self-determination.

“A number of groups have a number of demands. These are citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, where there are many shades of public opinion. A lot of water has flowed down the bridge since 1947. We should not shy away from talking just because they put forward a demand,” the minister contended.

Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley asked whether he was aware of a statement by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that Chidambaram had held two rounds of discussions with the separatists and that the issue had now taken on an international connotation.

“I don’t know the context in which the statement was made but I can assure the house that we (central and state governments) are on the same page,” the minister replied.

Asked whether China was now a party to the dispute, as had been demanded by some separatist groups, Chidambaram said: “A spokesman for the Chinese government has made it clear that they have no interest in the matter.”