Thaindian News

Jammu, March 4 (IANS) The activities of extremists in Pakistan were a source of concern, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here Friday while reiterating that India wanted to resolve all outstanding issues with the neighbouring country, including on Jammu and Kashmir.

“We wish to resolve all outstanding issues between the two countries through a friendly dialogue process,” said Manmohan Singh, who is on a daylong visit to the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

“We will enter these talks with an open mind,” he added while addressing the convocation of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology here.

“We wish to resolve all outstanding issues between the two countries through friendly, constructive and peaceful negotiations. And this includes the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.”

“We are willing to discuss all issues that have a bearing on the peace, dignity and well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he reiterated.

He also voiced concern about terrorism emanating from Pakistan. “We cannot forget what happened in Mumbai,” he said, referring to the November 2008 terror attack.

The prime minister urged Pakistan “to leave no stone unturned to bring the culprits to book”.

Manmohan Singh also referred to the situation in Pakistan, where its only Christian minister Shahbaz Bhatti was assassinated earlier this week, and said: “The activities of extremist groups in Pakistan are a source of concern.

“But I believe that there is a growing conviction in Pakistan among the thinking segments of the population that something serious needs to be done to curb the influence of these groups on Pakistani society and polity.”

He said he urged “Pakistan to take strong and resolute action against these groups”.