Interlocutors to Study Impact of Conflict on Kashmir’s Pluralism

Jammu: The three central government-appointed interlocutors will focus on the ways to reduce impact of conflict on the puluralism of Jammu and Kashmir during their two-day meeting with the leaders and intellectuals in Jammu July 11-12.This will be their first “round table conference” in Jammu.The interlocutors are social activist Radha Kumar, journalist Dilip Padgaonkar and former information commissioner M.M. Ansari.Jammu and Kashmir has a number of communities. While Jammu region is home to Dogras, Punjabis, Kashmiris, Paharis, Gujjars and Bakerwals – with many of them have their relatives living across the Line of Control, the Kashmir Valley is mostly Kashmiri Muslim, but also has Gujjars and Paharis and substantial presence of Shia Muslims. Ladakh region in the extreme north is having a majority of Buddhists there, while Kargil district is dominated by Shias.Radha Kumar, in her letter to the participants wrote: “The meeting is a step in our effort to have a sustained dialogue with all sections of opinion in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, and the goal is to consult with you on how to get a serious peace process going for a political resolution.””Some of the issues we wish to look at are: the impact of the conflict (the ongoing militancy related violence and counter-insurgency) on the pluralism of Jammu and Kashmir and what needs to be done; in which ways can the diverse groups and communities of the state work together to forge a comprehensive solution to the political issues; and what part they do and/ or wish to play in the peace making process,” she wrote.The three interlocutors have been holding discussions with various sections of society across the state since their appointment to open the dialogue in Kashmir in October 2010, while Kashmir was struggling for peace after nearly five month long troubles which left more than 110 people dead in clashes. Most of the victims were youngsters. (IANS)