J&K to start talks with separatists, says guv

Centre to take final call on revoking AFSPA

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra on Wednesday said the state government would initiate a “meaningful dialogue” with all political groups, including the Hurriyat Conference, irrespective of their ideological views and predilections.

“To enlarge the constituency of peace and deepen its societal moorings, the (PDP-BJP) coalition government will take well considered political initiatives to facilitate and help initiate a sustained and meaningful dialogue with all internal stakeholders, which will include all political groups irrespective of their ideological views and predilections. This dialogue will seek to build a broad based consensus on the resolution of all outstanding issues of J&K,” the governor said while addressing the joint session of the state legislature.

Invoking former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said, “Vajpayee had initiated a dialogue process with all political groups, including the Hurriyat Conference, in the spirit of ‘Insaaniyat, Jamhooriyat aur Kashmiriyat’ (humanity, democracy and Kashmiryat). The coalition government will strive to support and strengthen the approaches and initiatives taken by the Centre and building stakes for all in furthering peace and development,” Vohra said.

“This objective will be pursued by initiating suitable confidence building measures which would bring about a positive change in the lives of all our people,” he added.

On withdrawal of controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Vohra said the final decision on the continuation of the Act in the state would be taken by the Centre.

“Keeping in mind that the situation is steadily improving, the government will examine the need for de-notifying ‘disturbed areas’ and this, in turn, would enable the Centre to take a final view on the continuation of the AFSPA in such areas,” he said.

On the issue of settlement of refugees from Pakistan, Vohra said, “The government will work out a one-time settlement for refugees from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir of 1947, 1965 and 1971. It will also take measures for the sustenance and livelihood of the West Pakistan refugees.”

The governor also said that government will constitute a delimitation commission for re-demarcating the Assembly constituencies in the state as required by law.