Centre’s interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday said there was need for reducing the trust deficit between the government and people, but confidence building measures and focus on development should not distract the pursuit of a political settlement.
“CBMs and development should not distract from finding a political settlement to the Jammu and Kashmir problem, while a political settlement should also not impede the development scenario,” journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, who is leading the three-member team of interlocutors, told reporters here.
On the question of talks between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue, he said it was up to the two countries to take a decision on the matter.
“The (issue of) dialogue with Pakistan was raised ... the position in Delhi is that the Centre is ready to talk to Pakistan on all issues including Jammu and Kashmir,” Padgaonkar said.
He added that it was between New Delhi and Islamabad to decide on the timing of the talks.
Padgaonkar said during their latest round of interactions with people of the state, they felt there was need for serious and urgent efforts to reduce the trust deficit between the government and the people.
“Serious and urgent efforts have to be undertaken to reduce the trust deficit between the rulers and the ruled.
Governance has to be transparent and accountable. Due process of law must be observed to resolve human rights—related problems,” he said, reading out from a prepared statement.
Radha Kumar said the interlocutors were informed that 3,050 persons were arrested during the summer unrest in the Valley and so far 3,000 have been released.
“We have also been informed that 15 political prisoners will be released in the next few days,” she said.
Padgaonkar, academician Radha Kumar and former Information Commissioner M M Ansari briefed the media here after concluding their third visit to the state since their appointment by the Centre as interlocutors on October 13.
The chief interlocutor said a visible difference on the ground would create a congenial atmosphere to explore various options for a political settlement that is acceptable to all regions and communities of the state.
Asked about the demand of MLA of Kashmir’s Langate area Shiekh Abdul Rashid for holding talks with militants, Padgaonkar said violence has to end from both sides for a fruitful dialogue to begin.
“No dialogue can be held in presence of gun,” he said, adding, the settlement of the Kashmir issue must emerge after a sustained dialogue with all stakeholders including the Hurriyat and other allied groups, to ensure that it “genuinely reflects” the will of the people of the state.
