Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reached out to Kashmiri separatists last month, offering to resume peace talks to end a decades-old insurgency in the Himalayan region.

The electorates however say that political parties need to work on development and build opportunities to expand business and employment opportunities in the state instead of just talking about plebiscite dialogue with the Central government or Pakistan.

[Ghulam Nabi, Anantnag Resident]:
"You need to keep in mind what people want. If the common man needs peace then what's the point talking big on other issues? First give them peace, look at avenues of development and then only things can be solved."

Many believe that the political parties need to find meaningful ideas for promoting peace and development in Kashmir than holding individual opinions.

 [Parvez Ahmed, Resident]:
"Some talk about autonomy, some talk of self-rule and some talk of freedom but if all senior leaders stand for a single issue then a lot can change. However, here every leader has a different talk process causing more trouble to the civilians in the state."

Locals believe the recent introduction of train services in the Kashmir valley will create avenues for development in the region. Hence such initiatives should begin in the state so that the local youth do not migrate to different cities in the country.

The Indian PM recently called on to the locals and youth of Kashmir to reverse the brain drain that has caused the defection of many teachers, doctors, engineers and intellectuals.

The Prime Minister's offer came at a time when New Delhi continues to drag its feet over holding talks with Pakistan, which lays claim to Kashmir.