The Centre's interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday made it clear that they would go ahead with submitting their report to the government with or without inputs from separatists, as they had stretched the limits of courtesy in reaching out to them.
Democratic Freedom Party chief Shabir Shah, however, has responded to their invitation, though with some conditions.
On the conclusion of their monthly visit to the State, the interlocutors — Dileep Padgaonkar, Radha Kumar and M.M. Ansari — told a news conference here that they had invited the separatists to give their inputs to incorporate them in the report on the “political contours of the Kashmir problem,” which is being submitted to the Centre next month.
However, only Mr. Shah has responded. “We consider their inputs necessary. But if they do not give them, we will go ahead with our report,” Mr. Padgaonkar said.
Mr. Shah has reiterated his position that talks would be futile if “draconian laws” such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the Disturbed Areas Act were not withdrawn and youth were not released, Mr. Padgaonkar said.
“We too believe that CBMs [confidence building measures] of this nature deserve to be considered with the sympathy and seriousness they deserve,” he said.
‘Diverse opinions'
Mr. Padgaonkar said the report would be based on the diverse opinions expressed by people in all the regions.
“There are diverse opinions and aspirations among the people at the regional level. Yes, we will accommodate their views and aspirations in our road map so that confusions end and a vacuum is filled,” he said. “Kashmir is a 60-year-old problem. It can't be resolved overnight.”
Mr. Padgaonkar said that the interlocutors have advocated separate prisons for the youth arrested and slapped with charges under the Public Safety Act.
“We have observed that these boys are surrounded by all kinds of people including militants. In the first place, PSAs should not be slapped on them. But if they are released to pelt stones again, we can't help it,” he said.
“Our mandate is to recommend, and over the past many months, most of our recommendations have been implemented,” Mr. Padgaonkar said, clarifying that the panel could not interfere in the government's job.
‘Forge a consensus'
“No political party can claim the prerogative to speak for the people of the Valley, let alone for the people of the State.
“The mainstream parties should work together to forge a consensus,” the interlocutors said.
