Addressing a press conference here at Raj Bhavan, Advani said the government was making all out efforts to improve its relations with all nations particularly, with Pakistan and China. Relations with China could be improved even without touching upon contentious issues, ``We know very well as to which are these issues but when the normalisation process begins, these issues could be sorted out,'' the Union Home Minister said. He parried question on Vajpayee government's stand on the issue.

The Home Minister while making BJP's stand clear on Bihar, said that there were some indications that Congress might ``rectify'' its mistake on Bihar. ``In that case, even if we are deprived of political advantage, the change in the Congress's attitude would be good for the country, Bihar and for the basic issue of good governance, which we are trying to promote,'' he said.

The Home Minister said the government was working on a two-pronged strategy to maintain internal security as well as improve relations with other nations. On one hand the government would deal firmly with terrorists activities and secondly, it would work towards normalising relations, particularly with neighbours, he said. Saying that the situation in Kashmir had improved immensely, he said for the first time in 10 years Republic Day functions were held at tehsil level. He said though the militants had penetrated deep, it would require a sustained effort to eliminate them completely from the valley. Referring to tourism in the valley, he said visitors were coming back to Kashmir and Amarnath Yatra was a success.

However, he said, ``The real achievement would be the return of the Kashmiri pandits to their home and that situation has not come yet.'' While replying to a question on free hand to the security forces, the Home Minister said there was no question of a free hand when there was an electedgovernment in the state.

On appointment of governors, he said the government had always consulted the chief ministers whenever it had appointed any governor in the past. ``Even now the Bihar CM would be consulted before appointing a new governor,'' he said. He denied that post of the governor had become controversial or there was any dispute on a politician being appointed a governor, ``but after becoming governor, the person should not indulge in politics,'' he stressed.

On Congress efforts to topple Vajpayee government, he said it was a dream. Some elements in the country do not want to see a stable and strong government but their wishes would not be fulfilled, he said. Regarding implementation of the National Police Commission Report, Advani said the matter was in the Supreme Court. Cong condemns holding of rally at Ridge.