Kohima, Oct 28: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today extended the olive branch to militant outfits in the North-East saying the Centre was ready for dialogue with those who would give up the gun culture. "I appeal to the misguided Organisations in this region which have taken to the path of extremism and violence to shun that path. The Centre is willing to have talks with all those who are ready to give up the gun culture and take to the culture of dialogue and democracy," he said inaugurating the Indira Gandhi Stadium here. There was no issue which could not be resolved through dialogue, he said adding like the people of Nagaland "the Centre has equally strong desire for permanent peace in the state" with people living with honour and dignity. Vajpayee said the time has come to leave the sad chapter of conflict and violence behind us. "This is a time for reconciliation and peace making." The Prime Minister's statement comes in a backdrop of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio seeking an early resolution of the vexed Naga problem.

Bureau Report