No decision yet on talks with ultras — Advani

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 7: Union Home Minister L K Advani on Friday said the Centre has yet to take any decision on holding talks with militants in Kashmir and the release of Hurriyat leaders recently was meant to facilitate a congenial atmosphere for possible dialogue.

The release of three Hurriyat leaders – Syed Ali ShahGilani, Abdul Gani Lone and Maulana Abbas Ansari – was not "casual" but was part of a "thinking process", Advani told reporters here.

The Hurriyat leaders had not been asked to hold talks and the Government was only trying to create a congenial atmosphere for possible negotiations, he said.

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The Home Minister said the Centre was open to hold talks with any militant groups in Kashmir provided they laid down arms and agreed to talk within the framework of the Constitution.

He said talks had been held with Bodos and Nagas after fulfilment of the above two conditions.