Jammu, May 30: Stressing the need for holding Indo-Pak talks to resolve bilateral issues including Kashmir, the National Conference president Omar Abdullah today said some amount of violence should not become a stumbling block in this process. "I think our Prime Minister will have to accept that certain amount of violence at the ground level will continue while holding dialogue with Pakistan," Abdullah told reporters after addressing a party rally at Akhnoor, 30-kms from here.

"We cannot afford to waste this opportunity of resolving issues with Pakistan," he said, adding some level of violence should not become a stumbling block in the dialogue process and the Centre seems to have understood it.

Earlier in his address, the NC chief said it is not only for the Indian Government to take some steps for compromise as far as Kashmir is concerned, but Pakistan too will have to reciprocate. He, however, did not elaborate on this.

Referring to Centre's interlocutor N N Vohra's talks with various parties in the state, Abdullah said these are meaningless unless separatists are brought within its fold.

Bureau Report