Efforts for J&K dialogue on: PC
Terming the situation in Jammu and Kashmir as “not yet normal”, Union home minister P. Chidambaram on Friday said efforts are on to hold a “quiet dialogue” with all shades of opinion in the Valley. He said there are no reservations within the government on “talking to our own people”.
The home minister said repeated calls for bandhs have paralysed normal life in the Valley and the security forces continue to operate in a difficult situation while exercising maximum restraint.
On the role of separatist groups in disturbing peace in the Valley, Mr Chidambaram said, “I don’t agree that the writ of the separatists is ruling. Yes, in Srinagar and some other parts they have been able to mobilise support and call bandhs.” He again reposed faith in the Omar Abdullah government in restoring normalcy.
To a question on the Centre’s willingness to hold talks with separatist groups, including the Hurriyat Conference, he said: “We are always prepared to meet everyone who is willing to meet us. The Prime Minister said he favours a dialogue with all groups. The chief minister of the state is encouraged to meet all groups.”
“From day one I have preferred a quiet dialogue. I continue to meet leaders of different groups and political parties... there has been some interruption in the process... I do not deny that,” he said at the ministry’s monthly press conference. He said the state government has appointed a commission of inquiry besides formulating a surrender policy offering jobs and compensation to restore normalcy. On the role of Hindu extremist outfits in the Samjhauta Express blast, Mr Chidambaram said the NIA will probe its links, if any, to the Ajmer, Malegaon and Mecca Masjid blasts.
The home minister, however, made it clear that it was premature to point a finger at any organisation or individual.
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