Interlocutors warn against fresh violence in Kashmir

Srinagar: Cautioning that fresh violence would thwart the ongoing peace process, New Delhi appointed team of interlocutors on Saturday said that any political solution to the Kashmir issue has to be found through a sustained and inclusive process of dialogue with all stake holders including the pro-freedom outfits and civil society organizations.

“No single political formation of the administration, of the mainstream or otherwise could claim the exclusive prerogative to speak for the people of the valley, let alone for the people of the state as a whole. This is all the more significant given the diverse political aspiration of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and of various communities within each of these regions,” Dileep Padgaonkar, said while addressing a news conference here this afternoon, on the conclusion of the fifth visit of team to Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief interlocutor said that the stake holders need to move away from rigid positions and act in concert o focus tightly on four issues of critical importance for the future. The points, he said were preserving the unity and integrity of the state, state’s special status in the Indian union, seek the most practical and effective ways to respond to the diverse political, economic, social and cultural urges of the people and in particular, the main stream political parties in every region would be required to evolve a consensus with the other regions of the state.

He also advocated certain measures to change the ground situation and to enable the dialogue process to progress in view of the feedback received from various delegations they met during their visits.

“An end to intimidation and harassment by the police and the security forces, including the indiscriminate use of the PSA. Early release of stone pelters and political prisoners not charged with serious crimes. Speeding trials of jailed militants. Bringing to book those responsible for human rights violations. Re-deployment of security forces and a check on the special powers vested them .A corruption-free transparent and accountable governance. Access to quality education and public health services and jobs for educated youth,” he added.

He said said the ‘initial report’ on the contours of political settlement to the Kashmir issue will be submitted to the Government of India in the next two weeks, whether the pro-freedom leaders share their inputs with them or not.

“The report will be submitted whether the (pro-freedom) leaders share their inputs with us or not”.

Academician Radha Kumar and former Bureaucrat MM Ansari were present at the press conference.

However, Padgaonkar said that the panel has received a written reply from pro-freedom and Shabir Ahmad Shah to their invitation for talks.

“The letter reiterates his well-known position that such talks would be relevant and significant when draconian laws are repealed, political prisoners and youth are released from jails, withdrawal of troops begins and persons involved in human rights violations are brought to book,” he said.

The Chief interlocutor urged Shah to embark on the engagement with his panel so that the very first point on the agenda could be the issues listed by him in the letter.

“We believe that CBMs of this nature deserve to be considered within the sympathy and seriousness they deserve,” he added.

Padgaonkar reiterated that the panel led by him was appointed by the centre and all their recommendations would be implemented. “Some recommendations have been implemented while others are in the pipeline,” he said.