In an apparent reference to the divide caused by the Amarnath land issue in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said the tradition of harmony in the country was facing a "grave challenge" with "divisive forces" being at work in this direction.

Speaking at a function to give away 'Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavna Award' in New Delhi, Singh said the country was once again confronting "forces trying to spread hatred and disharmony".

Hailing the culture of harmony as the foundation of the Indian civilisation, he said "this tradition of Sadbhavana faces a grave challenge today."

"The divisive forces at work seek to challenge the very essence of India," Singh said at the function attended by Congress President Sonia Gandhi, several ministers and other senior Congress leaders.

Though he did not make any specific mentions, he was apparently referring to the Amarnath land transfer row which has created a divide between Jammu and Kashmir regions.

The Prime Minister's comment came five days after he warned against "divisive politics" while referring to Amarnath crisis.

Advocating dialogue and reconciliation as pursued by Rajiv Gandhi, Singh said "Conflicts need to end first in the minds of men and be replaced with sadbhavna (harmony)".

Terming Rajiv Gandhi as the "quintessential embodiment" of the Sadbhavana tradition Mahatma Gandhi had set for public leadership, he said "his message becomes most relevant at this time when we once again confront forces trying to spread hatred and disharmony."

Singh was speaking after giving away the award to social activist N Radhakrishnan.