CCS reiterates talks with all sections
A statement issued by the government after the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting on Monday said the Centre’s intention was to restart the dialogue process with different sections of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The CCS meeting had set off speculation that the government could consider a partial withdrawal of the AFSPA. The official statement, however, did not mention that law.
“The CCS reiterates government’s intention to restart the process of dialogue with different sections of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Towards this end, the CCS has decided to convene a meeting of all political parties at New Delhi on Wednesday... and elicit their views on the way forward,” the statement read. The government hoped that following that interaction, it would be able to engage the people of the state and also take “certain initiatives and measures” to build confidence among the people.
Earlier on Monday, the PM, addressing the Combined Commanders’ Conference here, had voiced concern over the unrest and sought to reach out to the people of J&K, saying their “grievances” have to be addressed. He promised talks within the Indian Constitution with those who abjure violence and stressed the need for better delivery of services and generating avenues for economic advancement in the state.
Hours before the CCS meeting, Mr Abdullah met Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
It was learnt that during the 15-minute meeting the CM tried to impress upon the Congress leader the need for a partial withdrawal of the AFSPA. The Congress, however, adopted a cautious approach and said it was up to the government to take a call.
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