The Hurriyat Conference, which held the first round of talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images], has said it was committed to ensuring that violence by militants in Kashmir valley ends and was willing to talk to the ultras on the issue.

"Hurriyat is committed to seeing an end to violence in the valley and for this we are ready to talk to those who have picked up the guns," Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq told India TV.

"We want those who have picked up the guns to join the peace process but the Indian government has to take an initiative for this. In fact, we want guns from both sides should fall silent," he said. He added that if India takes the initiative, 'you will see even those who are wielding the guns will come forward for the peace process.'

• Why must the PM talk to the Hurriyat?

"Once the talks progress, those who are trying to stall the peace process will fall in line", the Mirwaiz said. He said the biggest confidence-building measure in Kashmir valley would be to cut in security forces there.
    
Replying to a question, he said if UN resolutions cannot solve the Kashmir issue, 'we will go beyond that'. The Mirwaiz  said the talks with the Prime Minister were off to a 'good start' and 'we hope to build on the talks and strengthen the peace process'.

• Mirwaiz Farooq speaks out