Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram. (IE)
Home Minister Rajnath Singh’ announcement that the Centre has started a sustained dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir and appointment of former Intelligence Bureau director Dineshwar Sharma as the interlocutor was quickly followed by a reaction by former Finance Minister P Chidambaram. He said that with the appointment of a representative, the government has finally admitted that the ‘muscular approach’ has failed in Jammu and Kashmir. He took to Twitter and said,”With appointment of interlocutor, I hope government has finally admitted ‘muscular approach’ has failed in J&K.” He added,”From “No talks” to “Talks with all stakeholders” is a major victory for those who had strongly argued for a political solution in J&K.”
From “No talks” to “Talks with all stakeholders” is a major victory for those who had strongly argued for a political solution in J&K.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) October 23, 2017
With appointment of interlocutor, I hope government has finally admitted ‘muscular approach’ has failed in J&K.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) October 23, 2017
While addressing the media when Singh was asked whether the talks with the Hurriyat leaders will be on the agenda, he made it clear that the government is going to engage all political parties and stakeholders to ensure that peace is restored in the Valley. He added that Dineshwar Sharma will be independent to engage talks with whichever party he wishes to. Apart from holding talks with all stakeholders, Dineshwar Sharma as a representative of the government will initiate a sustained dialogue to understand legitimate aspirations of people in Jammu and Kashmir, added Singh. The Home Minister said that the Centre will ensure that peace in Kashmir is maintained and a special focus will be on the youth of Kashmir. Earlier in September, Rajnath Singh met J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti where he discussed various issues including how to bring a lasting peace in the Valley.
