Stage set for backchannel diplomacy

With the all-party delegation scheduled to visit Kashmir this weekend, the government is busy setting the stage to commence backchannel diplomacies with the separatist leaders.

Sources said the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Yasin Malik has been shifted to Humhama Sub Jail near Srinagar airport from Central Jail, Srinagar, while at least three leaders from Syed Ali Geelani-led Hurriyat are also lodged at the same jail.

They said that moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been detained in a hut at Cheshmashahi near the Raj Bhavan, so that his meeting with the visiting delegates can be arranged.

A senior police officer said the separatist leaders are being detained at places where there is scope for their meeting with the all party delegation. “Central Jail, Srinagar is situated near the densely populated downtown and it would be difficult for us to facilitate the meeting of the visiting delegates with the jailed leaders,” he said.

He added it would have been difficult to facilitate meeting between the Mirwaiz and the visiting delegates at his Nigeen residence.