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Interlocutors meet Governor, Omar

Shujaat Bukhari

Kashmir University students, meeting team, ventilate their anger and frustration

— Photos: PTI, NISSAR AHMAD

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah (left) receiving senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, Information Commissioner M.M. Ansari and professor Radha Kumar at his residence in Srinagar on Monday. At right, Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani leading a silent protest at Hyderpora in Srinagar.

SRINAGAR: The three-member team of interlocutors on Kashmir, on its maiden visit to the State, held detailed meetings with Governor N.N. Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and student groups.

However, separatists continued to maintain their distance from the team, saying “it was a ploy by New Delhi to divert the attention during United States President Barack Obama's visit.”

The team, headed by journalist Dilip Padgaonkar and including Information Commissioner M.M. Ansari and academician Radha Kumar, had a four hour-meeting with the Governor at the Raj Bhavan. “They discussed political, economic, security, governance and related issues,” a Raj Bhavan spokesperson said.

Mr. Vohra himself had functioned as interlocutor for many years before being appointed Governor.

As for the group's meeting with the Chief Minister, officially nothing was said on what transpired. But informed sources said proposals given by the separatists and their repercussions were discussed.

“It was good. We briefed him on the ground situation and discussed ways to move forward,” Ms. Kumar said about the meeting.

On hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Geelani's statement that the appointment of the interlocutors was a “dirty game and a ploy,” she said: “It is unfortunate he thinks that way. This is no ploy. We have assurances from the Prime Minister and the UPA government to find a comprehensive solution to the [Kashmir] problem.”

Meanwhile, defending Mr. Padgaonkar's remark that Pakistan needed to be involved in finding a solution, Mr. Abdullah said: “There is nothing wrong in what he said.” When in opposition, the Bharatiya Janata Party, for its “petty politics, was always talking against Kashmir. But they forget that it was their Prime Minister [A.B. Vajpayee] who talked to Pakistan on this issue,” Mr. Abdullah told journalists on the sidelines of a function here.

The interlocutors visited the house of separatist leader Shabir Shah to enquire about the health of his ailing mother. Mr. Shah was released on parole a few days ago but he refused to come out, subjecting himself to the conditions imposed on him.

Mr. Padgaonkar and his team also sought a meeting with top separatist Massarat Alam, who was recently arrested. However, the police, it is stated, did not allow it on the ground “that he is under interrogation.”

A group of students from the Kashmir University met the interlocutors later in the afternoon. “There is a sense of frustration and anger among them. We heard them and their aspirations, and discussed a political solution to Kashmir,” said Ms. Kumar. “They spoke freely about the frustration, anger and victimhood they had gone through.”

We can discuss ‘azaadi,' students told

PTI reports:

Mr. Padgaonkar asked the university students to prepare a road map for ‘azaadi' by the time the interlocutors returned to the Valley for a second visit.

“Next time when we come, let us discuss ‘azaadi' and its economic and strategic implications. We have to discuss it threadbare. If this is your wish, we can discuss it.”

He told them: “Prepare a road map with a timeline which can be delivered. Make it precise, make it practical, which can be achieved in a time-bound manner.”

The students presented to the interlocutors a three-point formula for reducing trust deficit. It included the immediate release of students and youth who were arrested on charges of stone throwing during the recent unrest, repeal of all “draconian laws” and demilitarisation of the State.

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