Positive change in J&K atmosphere: Interlocutor

A file picture of Mr. M.M.Ansari, interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir. Photo: Nissar Ahmad

The three-member group of interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir, appointed by the Centre in October last year, today said that there has been a positive change in the atmosphere in the State.

“There is positive change in the atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir. Many encouraging things are happenings. Lots of changes have taken place and lots of good things have taken place,” one of the interlocutors M M Ansari said after a meeting with Home Minister P Chidambaram.

He said that during the meeting, the group discussed about the action taken by central and State governments on the three reports it submitted earlier.

The interlocutors in their reports submitted the “broad contours” for a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue for consideration by the government.

The Centre has sent “some” of its recommendations to the State for necessary action.

“Action has been initiated on the recommendations. Some recommendations have been sent to the State government for necessary action. Some are under implementation,” the Home Ministry said in a statement earlier.

In its report, the group recommended expediting cases of undertrials, permitting peaceful protests and releasing militants and protesters against whom there are no serious charges, among others.

The group also recommended training of security forces, identifying jobs for young men and women in central and State government offices, announcing scholarships for Kashmiri students, enhancing monetary assistance to widows and orphans, efforts to trace missing persons and increasing monthly allowances to Kashmiri Pandits, the ministry said.

The interlocutors – Mr. Ansari, a former Information Commissioner, eminent journalist Mr. Dileep Padgaonkar and academician Ms. Radha Kumar - will visit the State for the fourth time from January 17.

Asked whether, the group has given any suggestion to the government for the change of name of the posts of Governor and Chief Minister in J&K, Mr. Ansari replied in the negative.

“Whatever appeared in newspapers was nothing but media speculation,” he said.