Despite snub, Sharma eager to meet J&K separatists

Despite snub from separatists, Centre's special representative for Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma on Wednesday said he will try his best to meet Hurriyat leaders.

"I will try my best (to meet Hurriyat leaders)," Sharma told reporters  when asked whether he will "walk the extra mile to talk to them."

Sharma made the remark after meeting lone Communist leader from Kashmir Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, former minister Ghulam Hassan Mir and independent MLA Hakim Yasin. "I met many people. I wish that peace returns to Kashmir. I will also try to meet Hurriyat," the former head of Intelligence Bureau said.

Separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik have refused to talk to him, calling Sharma's appointment "a new tactic" by New Delhi after it "failed in its muscular approach" in the troubled state.

Earlier, Sharma called on opposition National Conference leader and former chief minister Omar Abdullah at the latter's residence in Srinagar. "Mr Dineshawar Sharma & I met at my residence in Srinagar this morning. We discussed the prevailing situation in the state and also steps that can be taken to make his visits to the state more meaningful," Omar tweeted.