Indian Prime Minister Ends Kashmir Talks

India's prime minister was upbeat Thursday after talks in troubled Kashmir, making a rare acknowledgment of human rights violations and announcing measures aimed at ending 16 years of violence in the Himalayan region.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said his country was "committed" to living in harmony with neighboring rival Pakistan and to resolving the issue of Kashmir with a lasting peace treaty. He also said the number of troops in the state - estimated at more than 500,000 - could be reduced if violence abated, and promised to hold talks with rebels if they ended terror attacks.

"This conference certainly gives hope ... and confidence. I see light at the end of the tunnel, a ray of hope" - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh