Govt to appoint interlocutors for Kashmir talks: Chidambaram

Mtoday news

New Delhi, Sept 25:  The government will appoint a group of interlocutors to talk to social and political groups in Kashmir. Home Minister P Chidambaram said this after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met in New Delhi on Saturday. The CCS discussed the proposals submitted by the all-party delegation that went to the Valley last week.

 

Briefing the mediapersons about the proposals submitted by the all-party delegation to the CCS, the Home Minister said, "Government of India will appoint a group of interlocutors under an eminent person to begin the process of a sustained dialogue including political groups, youth bodies as well."

Speaking about the youth detained for stone pelting, Chidambaram said the Centre has advised the state government to release all the students held after protests and withdraw charges against them.

Also adding that the J&K government has been advised to open all educational institutions, Chidambaram said, "We request state to convene meeting of unified command and review the deployment of forces in the state. The checkpoint locations will also be reviewed in Kashmir."



Rs. 100 crore additional Central assistance will be given for educational grants for schools, he added.

The Home Minister also announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs. 5 lakh for every person killed in civil disturbances since June this year.

"Government of India will also appoint two Special Task Forces to develop the developmental needs to both areas, specifically infrastructure," Chidambaram said.



We welcome Centre’s decision on Kashmir: Omar


Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has welcomed the Centre’s decision on finding a solution to the Kashmir problem and has assured that the state government will "reopen the schools on Monday".

Adding that the J&K government will take gradual steps to de-escalate the tension in the area, Omar said they will examine the disturbed areas.

"The Unified Command will review areas under Disturbed Areas Act but don’t expect results after first meet, it will take time. We need to discuss how to reduce security forces’ footprint," Omar said.

Army cannot alone get to decide what can and cannot be done, Omar added.


He also appealed to Hurriyat to return normality to people.