<p>Administrator of Lakshadweep Dineshwar Sharma passed away on Friday at the age of 66 at a Chennai hospital due to a lung-related ailment, Lakshadweep Resident Commissioner Asarpal Singh said.</p>

<p>The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Sharma and recognised his contributions in strengthening the security of the country during his policing career.</p>

<p>"Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma Ji made long-lasting contributions to India`s policing and security apparatus. He handled many sensitive counter-terror and insurgency ops during his policing career. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti," PM Modi tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma Ji made long lasting contributions to India’s policing and security apparatus. He handled many sensitive counter terror and insurgency ops during his policing career. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1334812703089573888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condoled Sharma`s demise. He tweeted: "Deeply anguished to learn about the passing away of Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma ji. He served the nation with utmost devotion as a dedicated officer of the Indian Police Service. My heartfelt condolences to his family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply anguished to learn about the passing away of Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma ji. He served the nation with utmost devotion as a dedicated officer of the Indian Police Service. My heartfelt condolences to his family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.</p>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1334819433743695872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Indian President Ram Nath Kovind had on October 23, 2020 appointed former interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma as the Administrator of Lakshadweep.</p>

<p>A 1976-batch retired IPS officer of Kerala cadre, Sharma served as chief of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) from December 31, 2014 to May 2017.</p>

<p>He was appointed as the interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir in 2017 during the first term of the Narendra Modi-led government.</p>


Administrator of Lakshadweep Dineshwar Sharma passed away on Friday at the age of 66 at a Chennai hospital due to a lung-related ailment, Lakshadweep Resident Commissioner Asarpal Singh said.

Administrator of Lakshadweep Dineshwar Sharma passed away on Friday at the age of 66 at a Chennai hospital due to a lung-related ailment, Lakshadweep Resident Commissioner Asarpal Singh said. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Sharma and recognised his contributions in strengthening the security of the country during his policing career. "Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma Ji made long-lasting contributions to India`s policing and security apparatus. He handled many sensitive counter-terror and insurgency ops during his policing career. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti," PM Modi tweeted. Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma Ji made long lasting contributions to India’s policing and security apparatus. He handled many sensitive counter terror and insurgency ops during his policing career. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2020 × Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condoled Sharma`s demise. He tweeted: "Deeply anguished to learn about the passing away of Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma ji. He served the nation with utmost devotion as a dedicated officer of the Indian Police Service. My heartfelt condolences to his family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti." Deeply anguished to learn about the passing away of Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma ji. He served the nation with utmost devotion as a dedicated officer of the Indian Police Service. My heartfelt condolences to his family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 4, 2020 × The Indian President Ram Nath Kovind had on October 23, 2020 appointed former interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma as the Administrator of Lakshadweep. A 1976-batch retired IPS officer of Kerala cadre, Sharma served as chief of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) from December 31, 2014 to May 2017. He was appointed as the interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir in 2017 during the first term of the Narendra Modi-led government.

Lakshadweep administrator Dineshwar Sharma passes away, PM recalls his contribution to policing

<p>The Centre's interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma is discussing the "sensitive" issue of J&K with all the stakeholders.</p>

<p>Sharma's discussion is majorly highlighting the&nbspchallenges to Article 35A of the Constitution.</p>

<p>The article was incorporated in the constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order empowers Jammu and Kashmir&nbsplegislature to define its "permanent residents" and&nbspprovides&nbspspecial rights and privileges to them. It also denies property rights to any woman who marries outside the state.</p>

<p>The&nbspAttorney General (AG) K K Venugopal told the Supreme Court on Monday about the "ongoing" discussion of the interlocutor with all stakeholders.</p>

<p>The apex court was hearing petitions&nbspchallenging Article 35A along with&nbspthe main writ petition filed by a group called 'We The Citizens'.</p>

<p>Senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for one of the petitioners, said it was strange that in J&K, a person who had migrated to Pakistan before 1947, could come and settle down under law but those who were residing there for generations cannot get a government job. He said students were debarred from getting admission in government medical college there even after qualifying the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), only because he or she was not a permanent resident of the state.&nbsp Another counsel appearing for the petitioners said it was a "human issue" as around five lakh people had migrated out of the state, were residing in places like Delhi and cannot go back to the valley, PTI reported.</p>

<p>Dineshwar Sharma, former director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), was appointed by the Centre as Jammu and Kashmir&nbspinterlocutor on October 23, 2017.</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp</p>


Dineshwar Sharma's discussion is majorly highlighting the challenges to Article 35A of the Constitution

The Centre's interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma is discussing the "sensitive" issue of J&K with all the stakeholders. Sharma's discussion is majorly highlighting the&nbspchallenges to Article 35A of the Constitution. The article was incorporated in the constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order empowers Jammu and Kashmir&nbsplegislature to define its "permanent residents" and&nbspprovides&nbspspecial rights and privileges to them. It also denies property rights to any woman who marries outside the state. The&nbspAttorney General (AG) K K Venugopal told the Supreme Court on Monday about the "ongoing" discussion of the interlocutor with all stakeholders. The apex court was hearing petitions&nbspchallenging Article 35A along with&nbspthe main writ petition filed by a group called 'We The Citizens'. Senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for one of the petitioners, said it was strange that in J&K, a person who had migrated to Pakistan before 1947, could come and settle down under law but those who were residing there for generations cannot get a government job. He said students were debarred from getting admission in government medical college there even after qualifying the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), only because he or she was not a permanent resident of the state. Another counsel appearing for the petitioners said it was a "human issue" as around five lakh people had migrated out of the state, were residing in places like Delhi and cannot go back to the valley, PTI reported. Dineshwar Sharma, former director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), was appointed by the Centre as Jammu and Kashmir&nbspinterlocutor on October 23, 2017.

Interlocutor discussing issues about special rights to J&K residents: Govt

<p>Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah has raised questions over the government-appointed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pmo-has-undermined-dineshwar-sharmas-status-omar-abdullah-23717" target="_blank">interlocutor in Jammu and Kashmir</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While addressing the state assembly, Abdullah said today that they are not aware of Dineshwar Sharma&#39;s role in Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned whether Dineshwar Sharma was a spokesperson, an interlocutor or a special representative.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We don&#39;t know what Dineshwar Sharma&#39;s role is? Is he a spokesman, an interlocutor or a special representative? Is there a time frame or will he be here indefinitely?&quot;, Omar Abdullah said.</p>

<p>Omar Abdullah hit out at the state government saying that they blamed him for the creation of &quot;Burhan Wani&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also asked the Jammu and Kashmir government that if they were aware of how many Burhan Wanis had been born in the last one-and-a-half years.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We don&#39;t know what Dineshwar Sharma&#39;s role is? Is he is a spokesman, an interlocutor or a special representative? Is there a time frame or will he be here indefinitely?: Former J&amp;K CM Omar Abdullah in J&amp;K assembly <a href="https://t.co/3eNKkQgFWp">pic.twitter.com/3eNKkQgFWp</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950687586669928448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Aapne (J&amp;K govt) mujhse kaha tha ki Burhan Wani ko paida karne main mera role hai. Par kabhi aapne socha ki in dedh saalon mein aapne kitne Burhan Wani paida kiye? Mujh par agar ek ka ilzaam hai toh aap par kitno ka hai? Iss baat ka apko ehsaas hona chahiye: Omar Abdullah <a href="https://t.co/HgHoS5HuJP">pic.twitter.com/HgHoS5HuJP</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950689211035803648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


While addressing the state assembly, Abdullah questioned that if he was a spokesperson, an interlocutor or a special representative

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah has raised questions over the government-appointed interlocutor in Jammu and Kashmir. While addressing the state assembly, Abdullah said today that they are not aware of Dineshwar Sharma's role in Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned whether Dineshwar Sharma was a spokesperson, an interlocutor or a special representative. "We don't know what Dineshwar Sharma's role is? Is he a spokesman, an interlocutor or a special representative? Is there a time frame or will he be here indefinitely?", Omar Abdullah said. Omar Abdullah hit out at the state government saying that they blamed him for the creation of "Burhan Wani". He also asked the Jammu and Kashmir government that if they were aware of how many Burhan Wanis had been born in the last one-and-a-half years. We don't know what Dineshwar Sharma's role is? Is he is a spokesman, an interlocutor or a special representative? Is there a time frame or will he be here indefinitely?: Former J&K CM Omar Abdullah in J&K assembly pic.twitter.com/3eNKkQgFWp — ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2018 × Aapne (J&K govt) mujhse kaha tha ki Burhan Wani ko paida karne main mera role hai. Par kabhi aapne socha ki in dedh saalon mein aapne kitne Burhan Wani paida kiye? Mujh par agar ek ka ilzaam hai toh aap par kitno ka hai? Iss baat ka apko ehsaas hona chahiye: Omar Abdullah pic.twitter.com/HgHoS5HuJP — ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2018 ×

We don't know what Dineshwar Sharma's role is: Omar Abdullah

<p>The Centre&#39;s special envoy on Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma, on Friday visited Jagti area here, the largest township of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits, and met people to understand their problems.<br />
He visited several households in the area where people apprised him of their problems, officials said.<br />
<br />
Dineshwar Sharma, who visited Srinagar and Jammu earlier this month, will be in the state for the next four days.<br />
<br />
The officials said that Sharma would also meet people who came from West Pakistan immediately after Partition in 1947 and settled in Jammu. There are nearly three lakh such people.<br />
<br />
Besides, he will visit camps housing those displaced from their homes in border villages to understand their plight and ensure that they are properly rehabilitated.</p>

<p><strong>Dineshwar Sharma meets National Conference delegation</strong></p>

<p>Dineshwar Sharma on Friday met a delegation of the minority cell of the opposition National Conference (NC) party, which strongly batted for rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in clusters to &quot;ensure preservation of culture&quot; of the community.</p>

<p>&quot;We met Sharma here today. We told him Kashmiri Pandits cannot live in their original places. They should be accommodated in clusters in Kashmir when they are brought back after normalcy returns to the Valley,&quot; NC leader Vijay Bakaya told reporters at the township.</p>

<p>Vijay Bakaya, a former chief secretary in the state government and an advisor to ex-chief minister Farooq Abdullah, led the delegation.</p>

<p>&quot;Living in clusters will ensure preservation of culture and traditions of the community besides giving them a sense of security,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Bakaya asked the state government to ensure a conducive atmosphere for the return of the displaced community to the Valley, saying the Pandits were &quot;ready to play their role&quot;.<br />
<br />
Dineshwar Sharma, a former Intelligence Bureau chief, was appointed the Centre&#39;s interlocutor on October 23 to hold talks with all stakeholders in an effort to find lasting peace in parts of Kashmir.<br />
<br />
Around 60,000 Kashmiri Pandit families migrated in 1990 after the onset of militancy. Of these, 39,000 families based themselves in various camps in Jammu.<br />
<br />
Dineshwar Sharma will also visit the &quot;ground zero&quot; of unrest in south Kashmir&#39;s Pulwama and Anantnag districts, they said.<br />
<br />
The high point of his visit will be his interactions with youths and students in Pulwama and Anantnag, the officials added.<br />
<br />
These districts were the epicentre of unrest following the encounter killing of Hizbul Mujahideen&#39;s poster boy Burhan Wani on July 8 last year.<br />
<br />
Pulwama also earned the notorious distinction of being the nerve centre of militancy with anti-insurgency operations being launched on a war footing in the area.<br />
<br />
After his first visit to Kashmir Valley, Sharma suggested that cases against 4,500 youths involved in stone pelting for the first time be dropped in a bid to win hearts.<br />
<br />
Over 11,500 cases against stone pelters have been registered since July last year following Wani&#39;s death. Of these, over 4,500 youths were first-time stone pelters.<br />
<br />
In a bid to resolve the Valley&#39;s electricity crisis, especially during winters, Sharma also took the initiative of providing additional 300 MW to Kashmir this year.<br />
<br />
Attempts are being made to ensure round-the-clock electricity supply by the beginning of winter next year, the officials said.</p>


The Centre's special envoy on Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma, on Friday visited the Jagti area, the largest township of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits, and met people to understand their problems

The Centre's special envoy on Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma, on Friday visited Jagti area here, the largest township of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits, and met people to understand their problems. He visited several households in the area where people apprised him of their problems, officials said. Dineshwar Sharma, who visited Srinagar and Jammu earlier this month, will be in the state for the next four days. The officials said that Sharma would also meet people who came from West Pakistan immediately after Partition in 1947 and settled in Jammu. There are nearly three lakh such people. Besides, he will visit camps housing those displaced from their homes in border villages to understand their plight and ensure that they are properly rehabilitated. Dineshwar Sharma meets National Conference delegation Dineshwar Sharma on Friday met a delegation of the minority cell of the opposition National Conference (NC) party, which strongly batted for rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in clusters to "ensure preservation of culture" of the community. "We met Sharma here today. We told him Kashmiri Pandits cannot live in their original places. They should be accommodated in clusters in Kashmir when they are brought back after normalcy returns to the Valley," NC leader Vijay Bakaya told reporters at the township. Vijay Bakaya, a former chief secretary in the state government and an advisor to ex-chief minister Farooq Abdullah, led the delegation. "Living in clusters will ensure preservation of culture and traditions of the community besides giving them a sense of security," he said. Bakaya asked the state government to ensure a conducive atmosphere for the return of the displaced community to the Valley, saying the Pandits were "ready to play their role". Dineshwar Sharma, a former Intelligence Bureau chief, was appointed the Centre's interlocutor on October 23 to hold talks with all stakeholders in an effort to find lasting peace in parts of Kashmir. Around 60,000 Kashmiri Pandit families migrated in 1990 after the onset of militancy. Of these, 39,000 families based themselves in various camps in Jammu. Dineshwar Sharma will also visit the "ground zero" of unrest in south Kashmir's Pulwama and Anantnag districts, they said. The high point of his visit will be his interactions with youths and students in Pulwama and Anantnag, the officials added. These districts were the epicentre of unrest following the encounter killing of Hizbul Mujahideen's poster boy Burhan Wani on July 8 last year. Pulwama also earned the notorious distinction of being the nerve centre of militancy with anti-insurgency operations being launched on a war footing in the area. After his first visit to Kashmir Valley, Sharma suggested that cases against 4,500 youths involved in stone pelting for the first time be dropped in a bid to win hearts. Over 11,500 cases against stone pelters have been registered since July last year following Wani's death. Of these, over 4,500 youths were first-time stone pelters. In a bid to resolve the Valley's electricity crisis, especially during winters, Sharma also took the initiative of providing additional 300 MW to Kashmir this year. Attempts are being made to ensure round-the-clock electricity supply by the beginning of winter next year, the officials said.

J&K interlocutor visits Kashmiri Pandit camps in Jammu

<p>Opposition National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday claimed that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and &quot;this won&#39;t change&quot; no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other.</p>

<p>Talk of an independent Kashmir was &quot;wrong&quot; as the Valley is landlocked and surrounded by three nuclear powers -- China, Pakistan and India.</p>

<p>His statement comes days after Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had rejected the idea of an &quot;independent Kashmir&quot;, saying it was not based on &quot;reality&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;I am saying that there is nothing like the issue of freedom (independent Kashmir) here. We are landlocked. On one side we have China, Pakistan on the other side and India on the third side,&quot; the MP from Srinagar told reporters on the sidelines of a function at the party headquarters here.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I can&#39;t comment much on that. He has held talks but talks alone is not the solution. This issue is between India &amp; Pakistan. Indian govt must also hold talks with Pakistan govt because a part of Kashmir is also with them: Farooq Abdullah on J&amp;K Interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma <a href="https://t.co/PrAWB79j6j">pic.twitter.com/PrAWB79j6j</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929269853428391936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;All three of them have atom bombs. We have nothing except Allah&#39;s name,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;Those (separatists) who are talking about Azadi, are talking wrong,&quot; the former J&amp;K chief minister said.</p>

<p>On the demand for autonomy, he said that while the state decided to join India out of love, the country &quot;betrayed&quot; the people of Kashmir and did not treat them well.</p>

<p>&quot;We should understand that there has been a decision (of accession), but India didn&#39;t treat us well. India betrayed us. They did not recognise the love with which we chose to join them. That is the reason behind the current situation in Kashmir,&quot; Abdullah said.</p>

<p>&quot;Internal autonomy is our right. They (Centre) should restore it. Only then the peace will return (to the Valley),&quot; he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A Pak Minister very rightly said that you forget that the part which is yours was acquired by an Instrument of Accession. You forget Instrument of accession &amp; say that the part is yours. If you talk about this being your part then remember the Instrument as well: Farooq Abdullah <a href="https://t.co/tuBpr4cd5D">pic.twitter.com/tuBpr4cd5D</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929272052191698944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Referring to a statement made by Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir about PoK being part of India, Abdullah invoked the instrument of accession signed by the then Maharaja Hari Singh, with the Indian government.</p>

<p>&quot;You do not remember the instrument of accession and claim the other side of Kashmir administered by Pakistan. If that side is ours, then you should talk about the accession as well. Why do you forget the conditions on which we have acceded?&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Abdullah also claimed that PoK was part of Pakistan and would remain so.</p>

<p>&quot;I tell them in plain terms -- not only the people of India, but also to the world -- that the part (of J&amp;K) which is with Pakistan (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and this side to India. This won&#39;t change. Let them fight how many wars they want to. This won&#39;t change,&quot; Abdullah said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The part which is with Pakistan belongs to Pakistan &amp; this is India&#39;s part. If they want peace govt will have to talk to Pakistan &amp; conclude that an autonomy be given to us as well as them: Farooq Abdullah <a href="https://t.co/5bL0loxtBs">pic.twitter.com/5bL0loxtBs</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929272849394679808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;And when the situation is such, then they have to talk, so that we live in peace, both parts live in peace and for that it is imperative to grant autonomy to both the parts,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Asked whether the visit of the Centre&#39;s special representative for Kashmir Dineshwar Sahrma to the state was successful, Abdullah said only Sharma could say anything about it.</p>

<p>&quot;I can only say that while he has held talks, only talks will not address the issue as this issue is between two countries -- Pakistan and India. The government of India has to talk to the government of Pakistan as a part of J&amp;K is with them (Pakistan),&quot; he said.</p>

<p><em>(With PTI inputs)</em></p>


Responding to the visit of Jammu and Kashmir interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma, former chief minister of the state, Farooq Abdullah has said that India must also hold talks with Pakistan government as a part of Kashmir is also with them

Opposition National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday claimed that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and "this won't change" no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other. Talk of an independent Kashmir was "wrong" as the Valley is landlocked and surrounded by three nuclear powers -- China, Pakistan and India. His statement comes days after Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had rejected the idea of an "independent Kashmir", saying it was not based on "reality". "I am saying that there is nothing like the issue of freedom (independent Kashmir) here. We are landlocked. On one side we have China, Pakistan on the other side and India on the third side," the MP from Srinagar told reporters on the sidelines of a function at the party headquarters here. I can't comment much on that. He has held talks but talks alone is not the solution. This issue is between India & Pakistan. Indian govt must also hold talks with Pakistan govt because a part of Kashmir is also with them: Farooq Abdullah on J&K Interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma pic.twitter.com/PrAWB79j6j — ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2017 × "All three of them have atom bombs. We have nothing except Allah's name," he said. "Those (separatists) who are talking about Azadi, are talking wrong," the former J&K chief minister said. On the demand for autonomy, he said that while the state decided to join India out of love, the country "betrayed" the people of Kashmir and did not treat them well. "We should understand that there has been a decision (of accession), but India didn't treat us well. India betrayed us. They did not recognise the love with which we chose to join them. That is the reason behind the current situation in Kashmir," Abdullah said. "Internal autonomy is our right. They (Centre) should restore it. Only then the peace will return (to the Valley)," he said. A Pak Minister very rightly said that you forget that the part which is yours was acquired by an Instrument of Accession. You forget Instrument of accession & say that the part is yours. If you talk about this being your part then remember the Instrument as well: Farooq Abdullah pic.twitter.com/tuBpr4cd5D — ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2017 × Referring to a statement made by Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir about PoK being part of India, Abdullah invoked the instrument of accession signed by the then Maharaja Hari Singh, with the Indian government. "You do not remember the instrument of accession and claim the other side of Kashmir administered by Pakistan. If that side is ours, then you should talk about the accession as well. Why do you forget the conditions on which we have acceded?" he said. Abdullah also claimed that PoK was part of Pakistan and would remain so. "I tell them in plain terms -- not only the people of India, but also to the world -- that the part (of J&K) which is with Pakistan (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and this side to India. This won't change. Let them fight how many wars they want to. This won't change," Abdullah said. The part which is with Pakistan belongs to Pakistan & this is India's part. If they want peace govt will have to talk to Pakistan & conclude that an autonomy be given to us as well as them: Farooq Abdullah pic.twitter.com/5bL0loxtBs — ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2017 × "And when the situation is such, then they have to talk, so that we live in peace, both parts live in peace and for that it is imperative to grant autonomy to both the parts," he said. Asked whether the visit of the Centre's special representative for Kashmir Dineshwar Sahrma to the state was successful, Abdullah said only Sharma could say anything about it. "I can only say that while he has held talks, only talks will not address the issue as this issue is between two countries -- Pakistan and India. The government of India has to talk to the government of Pakistan as a part of J&K is with them (Pakistan)," he said. (With PTI inputs)

'PoK is part of Pakistan': Farooq Abdullah

<p>Jammu and Kashmir interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centres-interlocutor-dineshwar-sharma-reaches-kashmir-says-open-to-talk-to-anyone-23572">who wound up his maiden visit to the Valley</a> on Thursday said that he is satisfied with the outcome and will meet the leaders of the separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference on his next visit in the last week of November.</p>

<p>During his four-day visit to Kashmir,&nbsp; the Centre&#39;s newly-appointed special representative to the terrorist-infested state met various delegations and political leaders which included former chief minister Omar Abdullah, state Congress chief GA Mir and CPM leaders.</p>

<p>Dineshwar Sharma told Firstpost on Thursday that on his next visit, he will talk to the Kashmiri youth in order to understand and resolve their problems.</p>

<p>&quot;I have full faith in the people and youth of Kashmir. I think they will bring about change that is needed here,&quot; Dineshwar Sharma was quoted as saying by Firstpost at the house of state Congress chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir, who met him at Friends Colony near Srinagar Airport.</p>

<p>Firstpost quoted sources as saying that most of the people who met the interlocutor over the last three days had expressed concern over news channels trying to vitiate the atmosphere in the Valley and creating an atmosphere of hatred towards Kashmiris outside the state.</p>

<p>The former Intelligence Bureau director arrived in Jammu yesterday for holding consultations with various groups and political parties.</p>

<p>He called on state governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and discussed ways and means for reaching out to various stake-holders in the state, officials told PTI.</p>

<p>The officials dubbed the meetings as&nbsp;courtesy calls. He then met a BJP delegation led by state president Sat Sharma.</p>

<p>&quot;Our party representatives had sought an audience with him in Srinagar, but he told them that he will be meeting the party leaders in Jammu,&quot; the BJP state chief said, adding, &quot;We will discuss with him the situation prevailing in both the Valley and Jammu region.&quot;</p>

<p>He will meet various delegations and NGOs tomorrow before returning to the national capital on Saturday.<br />
<br />
Dineshwar Sharma was named Centre&#39;s interlocutor for Kashmir on October 23.</p>


Dineshwar Sharma said that on his next visit, he will talk to the Kashmiri youth in order to understand and resolve their problems

Jammu and Kashmir interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma, who wound up his maiden visit to the Valley on Thursday said that he is satisfied with the outcome and will meet the leaders of the separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference on his next visit in the last week of November. During his four-day visit to Kashmir, the Centre's newly-appointed special representative to the terrorist-infested state met various delegations and political leaders which included former chief minister Omar Abdullah, state Congress chief GA Mir and CPM leaders. Dineshwar Sharma told Firstpost on Thursday that on his next visit, he will talk to the Kashmiri youth in order to understand and resolve their problems. "I have full faith in the people and youth of Kashmir. I think they will bring about change that is needed here," Dineshwar Sharma was quoted as saying by Firstpost at the house of state Congress chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir, who met him at Friends Colony near Srinagar Airport. Firstpost quoted sources as saying that most of the people who met the interlocutor over the last three days had expressed concern over news channels trying to vitiate the atmosphere in the Valley and creating an atmosphere of hatred towards Kashmiris outside the state. The former Intelligence Bureau director arrived in Jammu yesterday for holding consultations with various groups and political parties. He called on state governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and discussed ways and means for reaching out to various stake-holders in the state, officials told PTI. The officials dubbed the meetings as courtesy calls. He then met a BJP delegation led by state president Sat Sharma. "Our party representatives had sought an audience with him in Srinagar, but he told them that he will be meeting the party leaders in Jammu," the BJP state chief said, adding, "We will discuss with him the situation prevailing in both the Valley and Jammu region." He will meet various delegations and NGOs tomorrow before returning to the national capital on Saturday. Dineshwar Sharma was named Centre's interlocutor for Kashmir on October 23.

Will meet Hurriyat leaders on next visit: Dineshwar Sharma

<p>National Conference working president Omar Abdullah, who met Kashmir interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma in Srinagar today, said nothing was expected from his visit and that the&nbsp;Prime Minister&#39;s Office (PMO) had undermined the interlocutor&#39;s status.</p>

<p>&quot;Nothing expected from Dineshwar Sharma visit. The Prime Minister&#39;s Office (PMO) has undermined his status. The Centre needs to clear its stand.&quot;</p>

<p>The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister added that the meeting between the two was a private meeting. &quot;It was a private meeting, did not discuss autonomy and stated party position.</p>

<p>Omar Abdullah said he told Dineshwar Sharma that he should not sit in a guest house and wait for people to come to meet him and should expand his area of operation.</p>

<p>What we talked about is between us. I put forward certain things and he agreed to consider them because if you just sit at the guest house and wait for people to come nothing will happen. Hope when he comes next his efforts will increase,&quot; Omar Abdullah told ANI when asked about his meeting with the Kashmir interlocutor.</p>

<p>(Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yes-i-can-talk-to-the-hurriyat-i-will-talk-to-everyone-dineshwar-sharma-23077">Yes, I can talk to the Hurriyat. I will talk to everyone: Govt&#39;s new interlocutor for Kashmir</a>)<br />
<br />
Mr Abdullah also alleged that the central government should &quot;clear the hurdles&quot; in the interlocutor&#39;s way so that he can work freely.</p>

<p>&quot;The hurdles that centre has created by the statements of centre should be stopped so that he can wok freely. We hope if it&rsquo;s done next time more people may meet him,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>He also wrote the outcome of the visit on Twitter:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mr Dineshawar Sharma &amp; I met at my residence in Srinagar this morning. We discussed the prevailing situation in the state as also steps that can be taken to make his visits to the state more meaningful.</p>
&mdash; Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/928128200726650880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
The government had said earlier it had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-ib-director-dineshwar-sharma-will-be-governments-representative-in-jk-rajnath-singh-22764">appointed the former director of Intelligence to be the representative of the government in Kashmir</a> for starting a sustained dialogue in the terrorist-infested state.</p>

<p>Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said that Dineshwar Sharma will initiate dialogue with elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir, political parties, different organisations and people.</p>

<p>Dineshwar Sharma holds the rank equivalent to a cabinet secretary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Omar Abdullah said nothing was expected from his visit

National Conference working president Omar Abdullah, who met Kashmir interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma in Srinagar today, said nothing was expected from his visit and that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) had undermined the interlocutor's status. "Nothing expected from Dineshwar Sharma visit. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has undermined his status. The Centre needs to clear its stand." The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister added that the meeting between the two was a private meeting. "It was a private meeting, did not discuss autonomy and stated party position. Omar Abdullah said he told Dineshwar Sharma that he should not sit in a guest house and wait for people to come to meet him and should expand his area of operation. What we talked about is between us. I put forward certain things and he agreed to consider them because if you just sit at the guest house and wait for people to come nothing will happen. Hope when he comes next his efforts will increase," Omar Abdullah told ANI when asked about his meeting with the Kashmir interlocutor. (Also Read: Yes, I can talk to the Hurriyat. I will talk to everyone: Govt's new interlocutor for Kashmir) Mr Abdullah also alleged that the central government should "clear the hurdles" in the interlocutor's way so that he can work freely. "The hurdles that centre has created by the statements of centre should be stopped so that he can wok freely. We hope if it’s done next time more people may meet him," he said. He also wrote the outcome of the visit on Twitter: Mr Dineshawar Sharma & I met at my residence in Srinagar this morning. We discussed the prevailing situation in the state as also steps that can be taken to make his visits to the state more meaningful. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) November 8, 2017 × The government had said earlier it had appointed the former director of Intelligence to be the representative of the government in Kashmir for starting a sustained dialogue in the terrorist-infested state. Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said that Dineshwar Sharma will initiate dialogue with elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir, political parties, different organisations and people. Dineshwar Sharma holds the rank equivalent to a cabinet secretary.

PMO has undermined Dineshwar Sharma's status: Omar Abdullah

<p>The Centre&rsquo;s special representative for Jammu and Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma, has reached the Valley for a five-day visit to start a dialogue process. This is his first&nbsp;visit to the Kashmir valley after he was appointed the government&rsquo;s Kashmir interlocutor on October 23.</p>

<p>Before leaving for the Valley, the former Intelligence Bureau director said that no one should jump to conclusions before the process of talks with various stakeholders in Kashmir began.</p>

<p>&quot;I do not have a magic wand but my efforts have to be judged with sincerity and not through the prism of the past,&quot; Sharma, 61, said on Sunday.</p>

<p>&quot;I am going there without any preconceived notions. Everyone is welcome to meet me,&quot; he added.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yes-i-can-talk-to-the-hurriyat-i-will-talk-to-everyone-dineshwar-sharma-23077">Speaking to WION</a> after he was named the interlocutor,&nbsp;Sharma had said that he has been allowed to talk to anybody and everybody - including the Hurriyat; that Prime Minister Narendra Modi &quot;is&nbsp;very much emotionally attached to Kashmir and wants to see a doable solution to the problem&quot;, and that he (Sharma) will be guided by former Prime Minister&nbsp;Atal Bihari Vajpayee&#39;s philosophy of insaniyat (humanity), Kashmiriyat (the composite, secular Kashmiri culture), and jamhooriyat (democracy).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharma also said that he is aware that he has the toughest job in the country right now. &quot;It is very difficult and I realise that, but I&#39;m sure the people of Kashmir realise real harm is being caused to them by outside forces,&quot; he told WION.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Dineshwar Sharma, who has been named the government&#39;s interlocutor for Kashmir, spoke to WION about the reasons for the unrest in the strife-torn state. He said he will talk to everyone to achieve a solution to the problem (WION)</p>
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<p>The special representative will meet political leaders, traders and other delegations, according to a list drawn up by the state government.</p>

<p>However, he made it clear he had his own list of people whom he would meet as well.</p>

<p>The National Conference, meanwhile, said that it does not have any expectations from Sharma and the only way forward in Kashmir is restoration of autonomy to the state.</p>

<p>&quot;I have very little expectations from this new interlocutor. Like it has been done before, he will come and meet people. In 2010, then UPA government appointed a group of interlocutors who visited the state and had detailed discussions with every section here,&quot; National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah said on Sunday.</p>

<p>He added, &quot;The process took more than two months and after they were done with meeting people, a report was compiled. What happened to that report? Did the government discuss that report in any forum including the Parliament?&quot;</p>

<p>Sharma, who is originally from Bihar and was a Kerala- cadre IPS officer of the 1979 batch, held the country&#39;s top-most post for a police officer from 2014 to 2016.</p>

<p>He said Kashmir was his &quot;second home&quot; as his professional journey in the premier intelligence unit began here in 1992.</p>

<p>Last month, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while announcing that Sharma would be the interlocutor for Kashmir, had referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s speech from the Red Fort this year.</p>

<p>Modi had said on August 15, &quot;Na gaali se, na goli se, parivartan hoga gale lagaane se (Only by embracing the people, and not with abuses or bullets, can there be a change in Kashmir).&quot;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


This is Dineshwar Sharma's first visit to the Kashmir valley after he was appointed the government?s Kashmir interlocutor on October 23.

The Centre’s special representative for Jammu and Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma, has reached the Valley for a five-day visit to start a dialogue process. This is his first visit to the Kashmir valley after he was appointed the government’s Kashmir interlocutor on October 23. Before leaving for the Valley, the former Intelligence Bureau director said that no one should jump to conclusions before the process of talks with various stakeholders in Kashmir began. "I do not have a magic wand but my efforts have to be judged with sincerity and not through the prism of the past," Sharma, 61, said on Sunday. "I am going there without any preconceived notions. Everyone is welcome to meet me," he added. Speaking to WION after he was named the interlocutor, Sharma had said that he has been allowed to talk to anybody and everybody - including the Hurriyat; that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "is very much emotionally attached to Kashmir and wants to see a doable solution to the problem", and that he (Sharma) will be guided by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's philosophy of insaniyat (humanity), Kashmiriyat (the composite, secular Kashmiri culture), and jamhooriyat (democracy). Sharma also said that he is aware that he has the toughest job in the country right now. "It is very difficult and I realise that, but I'm sure the people of Kashmir realise real harm is being caused to them by outside forces," he told WION. Dineshwar Sharma, who has been named the government's interlocutor for Kashmir, spoke to WION about the reasons for the unrest in the strife-torn state. He said he will talk to everyone to achieve a solution to the problem (WION) × The special representative will meet political leaders, traders and other delegations, according to a list drawn up by the state government. However, he made it clear he had his own list of people whom he would meet as well. The National Conference, meanwhile, said that it does not have any expectations from Sharma and the only way forward in Kashmir is restoration of autonomy to the state. "I have very little expectations from this new interlocutor. Like it has been done before, he will come and meet people. In 2010, then UPA government appointed a group of interlocutors who visited the state and had detailed discussions with every section here," National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah said on Sunday. He added, "The process took more than two months and after they were done with meeting people, a report was compiled. What happened to that report? Did the government discuss that report in any forum including the Parliament?" Sharma, who is originally from Bihar and was a Kerala- cadre IPS officer of the 1979 batch, held the country's top-most post for a police officer from 2014 to 2016. He said Kashmir was his "second home" as his professional journey in the premier intelligence unit began here in 1992. Last month, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while announcing that Sharma would be the interlocutor for Kashmir, had referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech from the Red Fort this year. Modi had said on August 15, "Na gaali se, na goli se, parivartan hoga gale lagaane se (Only by embracing the people, and not with abuses or bullets, can there be a change in Kashmir)." (With inputs from agencies)

Centre's interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma reaches Kashmir, says 'open to talk to anyone'

<p>Dineshwar Sharma has, arguably, the toughest job in the country.</p>

<p>With the situation in the Valley stuck in a stalemate, the fomer IB (Intelligence Bureau) chief has been named the government&#39;s interlocutor for Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharma tells WION that he has been allowed to talk to anybody and everybody -- including the Hurriyat; that Prime Minister Narendra Modi &quot;is&nbsp;very much emotionally attached to Kashmir and wants to see a doable solution to the problem&quot;, and that he (Sharma) will be guided by former Prime Minister&nbsp;Atal Bihari Vajpayee&#39;s philosophy of insaniyat (humanity), Kashmiriyat (the composite, secular Kashmiri culture), and jamhooriyat (democracy).&nbsp;</p>

<p>It should help that Sharma already has valuable experience at this type of job.</p>

<p>He has before this also been an interlocutor with insurgent groups in Assam and Manipur.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What is the problem in Kashmir?</strong><br />
Pakistan has contributed to the problem of Kashmir from the very beginning. Right from 1987, it has provided logistics, supplied arms and funds. and fuelled the insurgency in every possible manner. The problem continues till today.</p>

<p><strong>How difficult is your job, keeping in mind that Pakistan continues to interfere?</strong><br />
It is very difficult and I realise that, but I&#39;m sure the people of Kashmir realise real harm is being caused to them by outside forces.</p>

<p><strong>Have you been given a brief by the government on whom to talk to and whom not to talk to?</strong><br />
I have been given complete freedom by the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Can you talk to the Hurriyat, to any leader you wish to?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Yes I can talk to the Hurriyat. I will talk to everyone.</p>

<p><strong>It is now known that some Hurriyat members have been involved in cross-border funds transfers, while on the other </strong><strong>hand</strong><strong> they are stakeholders. Your response?</strong><br />
Stakeholders does not mean a few, select faces. It means all the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Some of them might be doing something wrong. What do I have to do with that? I don&#39;t have to look into that aspect. That is a separate investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Who are these stakeholders?</strong><br />
I have already said that the citizens of India living in Jammu and Kashmir are the stakeholders.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>How do people meet you?</strong><br />
It is being worked out. I&#39;m sure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will come forward because I feel they are fed up with the current situation and with what Pakistan has done to them. I&#39;m sure they will respond to the overture.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>How serious is the Kashmir problem?</strong><br />
We have seen that radicalisation has taken place in Kashmir and it needs to be addressed very seriously. It is the responsibility of all of us, which includes the people of J&amp;K and this country, to see that radicalisation is curbed.</p>

<p><strong>How did the radicalisation take&nbsp;</strong><strong>place?</strong><br />
A&nbsp;lot of material is pouring in from across the border via the internet. That has added to the problem.</p>

<p><strong>How is today different from when you served in Kashmir?</strong><br />
There was no radicalisation in the 90&#39;s. It was different. The sentiment was about azadi. It was only a fight for azadi. Things have changed today.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What has changed?</strong><br />
Radicalisation gained pace after the ISIS gained a footprint in Iraq and Syria. From that point in time, radicalisation picked up, which was then further fanned from across the border via the internet.</p>

<p><strong>Doesn&#39;t it -- radicalisation -- pose a national security risk?</strong><br />
Radicalisation is a major threat all over the world. It is not only about India or J&amp;K. But J&amp;K being more sensitive, we have to be more careful about it.</p>

<p><strong>Does the breakup of the ISIS and the coming back of recruits pose a challenge?</strong><br />
Many factors are involved, which are then complicated by outside forces who would like to see more unrest in the state. They will try to make the radicalisation more acute so that Kashmir remains disturbed all the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What explains the participation of students in street protests in such large numbers?</strong><br />
They were pushed to come out onto the streets to protest. Vested elements motivated and organised these students. They are a weapon to be used by interested parties. Any action by security forces would get them maximum international attention... That was the purpose.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Then how does the state deal with them?&nbsp;</strong><br />
My job is to make them realise that this (stone pelting) is not the right thing.</p>

<p><strong>When you talk to people in Kashmir, you get the sense that Pakistan needs to be involved...&nbsp;but then we will end up talking to an entity that is fanning the fire</strong><br />
That issue is not part of my charter. People of Kashmir need to realise that Pakistan is creating problems; it needs to be understood.</p>

<p><strong>Before you, there was a committee and nothing came of it? Are their reports still secret?</strong><br />
Let me go and meet the people. I&#39;m sure I will be able to make some difference.</p>

<p><strong>Do you have access to the earlier report?</strong><br />
Yes I&#39;m reading the report. It is a good beginning for me to carry forward.</p>

<p><strong>Tell us about the report?</strong><br />
They have done a great job.</p>

<p><strong>How is the problem of Kashmir different from Punjab and Assam?</strong><br />
I will answer the question in one line. Outside forces are not so much involved in Assam as they are in Kashmir. That makes the job in Kashmir tough.</p>

<p><strong>Outside forces were</strong><strong> also involved in Punjab?</strong><br />
Punjab has been sorted out. Punjab also took a long time. It cost the nation a lot. It took time. Kashmir will also take time but eventually it will be sorted out. I have no doubt about it.</p>

<p><strong>Talks take place but there is no outcome? What&#39;s your philosophy, talks with an&nbsp;</strong><strong>outcome</strong><strong> or talks even if no outcome is visible?</strong><br />
I think through talks many problems can be addressed. We should try to ensure that the genuine problems of the people of Kashmir are addressed by the state and central government.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>You have arrived in the midst of a deadlock. Doesn&#39;t that tell us the muscular approach does not work in Kashmir?</strong><br />
I don&#39;t want to comment on that at this stage for it will get misinterpreted.</p>

<p><strong>Do you think the national vs anti-national narrative has impacted the average Kashmiri, especially through social media?</strong><br />
Yes. In the early 90&#39;s there was no social media. There were no cellular phones. Now the youth is connected and has access to each and every development. All these factors have contributed. This is not the Kashmir of the early 90&#39;s.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Some issues still remain as they were... Human rights is still an issue...</strong><br />
Yes, some issues still remain.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>In the Yashwant Sinha report, one word stuck to me. It said there was a crisis of </strong><strong>acknowledgment</strong><strong>. Is it correct that the mainland does not acknowledge that there is a problem in Kashmir?</strong><br />
I have said that it is a big personal challenge for me and it is a big problem for the country. There is no question of not acknowledging the problem.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>You don&#39;t agree?</strong><br />
There is a crisis in Kashmir, I&#39;m saying it. But to say people in the rest of the country don&#39;t understand this is not true.</p>

<p><strong>Where do you fit the Kashmiri Pandits into your talks?</strong><br />
Let me go to Kashmir and talk to people. They can be brought onto the same boat.</p>

<p><strong>Lots</strong><strong> of Kashmiris are nostalgic about &quot;</strong><strong>insaniyat</strong><strong>, Kashmiriyat, and </strong><strong>jamhooriyat</strong><strong>&quot;. How will you take those sentiments of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari </strong><strong>Vajpayee</strong><strong> forward?</strong><br />
I will try to follow the path shown by Mr Vajpayee.</p>

<p><strong>His path was</strong><strong> about continuity of engagement despite </strong><strong>setbacks</strong><strong>?</strong><br />
Let me go and see. I will try to ensure peace and look for doable solutions so that this does not keep happening again and again.</p>

<p><strong>There has been a breakdown of ordinary life in Kashmir. How can that be restored?&nbsp;</strong><br />
I have to meet the people and I&#39;m sure they will respond and together we will find a solution.</p>

<p><strong>What mandate has Prime Minister Modi given you, and what is his message?</strong><br />
The prime minister is very much emotionally attached to Kashmir and wants to see a doable solution to the Kashmir problem. He has already announced, on August 15, that the problem of Kashmir should be solved by embracing the people of Kashmir.</p>

<p><strong>Did he say this to you?</strong><br />
He said this to the nation.</p>

<p><strong>But what did he tell you?</strong><br />
Prime Minister Modi told me to talk to the Kashmiris and embracing Kashmiris is the objective of this government.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


WION's Kartikeya Sharma speaks to the government's new interlocutor for Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma

Dineshwar Sharma has, arguably, the toughest job in the country. With the situation in the Valley stuck in a stalemate, the fomer IB (Intelligence Bureau) chief has been named the government's interlocutor for Kashmir. Sharma tells WION that he has been allowed to talk to anybody and everybody -- including the Hurriyat; that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "is very much emotionally attached to Kashmir and wants to see a doable solution to the problem", and that he (Sharma) will be guided by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's philosophy of insaniyat (humanity), Kashmiriyat (the composite, secular Kashmiri culture), and jamhooriyat (democracy). It should help that Sharma already has valuable experience at this type of job. He has before this also been an interlocutor with insurgent groups in Assam and Manipur. What is the problem in Kashmir? Pakistan has contributed to the problem of Kashmir from the very beginning. Right from 1987, it has provided logistics, supplied arms and funds. and fuelled the insurgency in every possible manner. The problem continues till today. How difficult is your job, keeping in mind that Pakistan continues to interfere? It is very difficult and I realise that, but I'm sure the people of Kashmir realise real harm is being caused to them by outside forces. Have you been given a brief by the government on whom to talk to and whom not to talk to? I have been given complete freedom by the government. Can you talk to the Hurriyat, to any leader you wish to? Yes I can talk to the Hurriyat. I will talk to everyone. It is now known that some Hurriyat members have been involved in cross-border funds transfers, while on the other hand they are stakeholders. Your response? Stakeholders does not mean a few, select faces. It means all the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Some of them might be doing something wrong. What do I have to do with that? I don't have to look into that aspect. That is a separate investigation. Who are these stakeholders? I have already said that the citizens of India living in Jammu and Kashmir are the stakeholders. How do people meet you? It is being worked out. I'm sure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will come forward because I feel they are fed up with the current situation and with what Pakistan has done to them. I'm sure they will respond to the overture. How serious is the Kashmir problem? We have seen that radicalisation has taken place in Kashmir and it needs to be addressed very seriously. It is the responsibility of all of us, which includes the people of J&K and this country, to see that radicalisation is curbed. How did the radicalisation take place? A lot of material is pouring in from across the border via the internet. That has added to the problem. How is today different from when you served in Kashmir? There was no radicalisation in the 90's. It was different. The sentiment was about azadi. It was only a fight for azadi. Things have changed today. What has changed? Radicalisation gained pace after the ISIS gained a footprint in Iraq and Syria. From that point in time, radicalisation picked up, which was then further fanned from across the border via the internet. Doesn't it -- radicalisation -- pose a national security risk? Radicalisation is a major threat all over the world. It is not only about India or J&K. But J&K being more sensitive, we have to be more careful about it. Does the breakup of the ISIS and the coming back of recruits pose a challenge? Many factors are involved, which are then complicated by outside forces who would like to see more unrest in the state. They will try to make the radicalisation more acute so that Kashmir remains disturbed all the time. What explains the participation of students in street protests in such large numbers? They were pushed to come out onto the streets to protest. Vested elements motivated and organised these students. They are a weapon to be used by interested parties. Any action by security forces would get them maximum international attention... That was the purpose. Then how does the state deal with them? My job is to make them realise that this (stone pelting) is not the right thing. When you talk to people in Kashmir, you get the sense that Pakistan needs to be involved... but then we will end up talking to an entity that is fanning the fire That issue is not part of my charter. People of Kashmir need to realise that Pakistan is creating problems; it needs to be understood. Before you, there was a committee and nothing came of it? Are their reports still secret? Let me go and meet the people. I'm sure I will be able to make some difference. Do you have access to the earlier report? Yes I'm reading the report. It is a good beginning for me to carry forward. Tell us about the report? They have done a great job. How is the problem of Kashmir different from Punjab and Assam? I will answer the question in one line. Outside forces are not so much involved in Assam as they are in Kashmir. That makes the job in Kashmir tough. Outside forces were also involved in Punjab? Punjab has been sorted out. Punjab also took a long time. It cost the nation a lot. It took time. Kashmir will also take time but eventually it will be sorted out. I have no doubt about it. Talks take place but there is no outcome? What's your philosophy, talks with an outcome or talks even if no outcome is visible? I think through talks many problems can be addressed. We should try to ensure that the genuine problems of the people of Kashmir are addressed by the state and central government. You have arrived in the midst of a deadlock. Doesn't that tell us the muscular approach does not work in Kashmir? I don't want to comment on that at this stage for it will get misinterpreted. Do you think the national vs anti-national narrative has impacted the average Kashmiri, especially through social media? Yes. In the early 90's there was no social media. There were no cellular phones. Now the youth is connected and has access to each and every development. All these factors have contributed. This is not the Kashmir of the early 90's. Some issues still remain as they were... Human rights is still an issue... Yes, some issues still remain. In the Yashwant Sinha report, one word stuck to me. It said there was a crisis of acknowledgment. Is it correct that the mainland does not acknowledge that there is a problem in Kashmir? I have said that it is a big personal challenge for me and it is a big problem for the country. There is no question of not acknowledging the problem. You don't agree? There is a crisis in Kashmir, I'm saying it. But to say people in the rest of the country don't understand this is not true. Where do you fit the Kashmiri Pandits into your talks? Let me go to Kashmir and talk to people. They can be brought onto the same boat. Lots of Kashmiris are nostalgic about "insaniyat, Kashmiriyat, and jamhooriyat". How will you take those sentiments of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee forward? I will try to follow the path shown by Mr Vajpayee. His path was about continuity of engagement despite setbacks? Let me go and see. I will try to ensure peace and look for doable solutions so that this does not keep happening again and again. There has been a breakdown of ordinary life in Kashmir. How can that be restored? I have to meet the people and I'm sure they will respond and together we will find a solution. What mandate has Prime Minister Modi given you, and what is his message? The prime minister is very much emotionally attached to Kashmir and wants to see a doable solution to the Kashmir problem. He has already announced, on August 15, that the problem of Kashmir should be solved by embracing the people of Kashmir. Did he say this to you? He said this to the nation. But what did he tell you? Prime Minister Modi told me to talk to the Kashmiris and embracing Kashmiris is the objective of this government.

Yes, I can talk to the Hurriyat. I will talk to everyone: Govt's new interlocutor for Kashmir

<p>Two days after the government announced a new interlocutor for Kashmir, WION&#39;s <strong>Kartikeya Sharma</strong> conducts a free-wheeling interview with former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah. It is always better to talk than to beat up a people, Abdullah tells Sharma, but also reminds him that there have been interlocutors before too.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What has happened to those reports? asks Abdullah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Abdullah also says that he misses Vajpayee, reminding Sharma of Vajpayee&#39;s famous words -- that we can live in peace with our neighbour and (both of us) prosper, or we can live in animosity and suffer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What is National Conference&#39;s response to the appointment of Dineshwar Sharma as interlocutor for Kashmir?</strong><br />
As far as I&rsquo;m concerned as the president of the party, it is good that an interlocutor has been appointed but my question is also to the government of India. What about the earlier reports of the interlocutors which lie with the Centre. What has happened to those reports? Late Padgaonkar ji and three committees which were made and gave&nbsp;reports, what happened to them? Why don&rsquo;t they put them before Parliament?<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Why weren&rsquo;t these reports implemented?&nbsp;</strong><strong>You were</strong><strong> part of the UPA...</strong><br />
We did say and always asked as to why these reports aren&rsquo;t being implemented. Now that government has gone. Governments may go but things are there. Here is a government which says that they are working for the people, and I would be delighted if they open those books and put them before Parliament.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Do you feel that successive talks without implementation of the recommendations added fuel to the fire?</strong><br />
Absolutely. They spent two years in the state, visiting Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir and met every single person including Hurriyat and compiled the report. It is there in the home ministry. For God&#39;s sake bring it out.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Why did the government sit&nbsp;</strong><strong>on the report?</strong><br />
I think&nbsp;you should ask Manmohan Singh as to why wasn&rsquo;t anything done.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Even the present government hasn&rsquo;t done a thing on it?</strong><br />
I don&rsquo;t know. Please put this question to Home Minister Rajnath Singh. He will be able to answer.</p>

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<p><strong>Is it mandatory to speak with Pakistan? Hurriyat has made an issue out of it?</strong><br />
Frankly I don&rsquo;t think that interlocutor can discuss with Pakistan. Discussion with Pakistan will have to be with government of India and at levels they choose to do so. Whether it is home minister or prime minister, it is for them to decide. They have a part of Jammu and Kashmir with them and it cannot be ignored.</p>

<p><strong>Does the appointment show that a muscular approach does not work with people?</strong><br />
Absolutely. Doval&rsquo;s doctrine has failed. His doctrine was to beat them to the ground and do everything you can to suppress them. Every theory has failed. They thought that with demonetisation, militancy would disappear -- it is at the highest level today. &nbsp;What have they achieved? Nothing. Our tourism has died. It is at zero. Nobody is bothered.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>What would you like the interlocutor to do?</strong><br />
I don&rsquo;t know who he is going to engage with. The (union) home minister tried to engage with every national party except the Hurriyat. The home minister didn&rsquo;t talk to Hurriyat. I don&#39;t know what a retired civil servant would be able to achieve.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Wouldn&rsquo;t it provide a buffer to </strong><strong>mainstream</strong><strong> parties like yours? Workers of </strong><strong>mainstream</strong><strong> parties have been attacked by terrorists?</strong><br />
We have had this happen from 1989. Our workers and leaders have been targeted. No one cared. We will face the brunt but we will not disappear. We will be here.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>What has been the cause of the present unrest where civil institutions are failing to function normally?</strong><br />
One is the government of BJP and PDP. It has been the greatest misery that has been inflicted on the people of this state. it really put petrol on the fire and our neighbour utilised it to the best it could.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Are you saying that BJP-PDP is an unnatural alliance?</strong><br />
I&rsquo;m not the only person who has said this. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>BJP has said that this is not the first time unrest has taken place. Worse unrest has taken place in the past?</strong><br />
They failed in everything so where does the blame lie.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Present Army chief has spoken about the success of Army&rsquo;s approach in the valley?</strong><br />
I think Army chief should restrict himself to the matters of the Army. He should look after the borders of India rather than talking about other things. It doesn&rsquo;t augur well for him.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Has politics of nationalism vs anti-nationalism affected the political discourse in the Valley?</strong><br />
Who are anti-nationals? If people ask for their rights, do they become anti-nationals? If they want to speak truth, do they become anti-national? We gave the autonomy resolution to Vajpayee, was that anti-national? It is in the Constitution of India. I don&rsquo;t understand what is meant by anti-national. If they want to smash the pride of the people -- then they are not going to succeed.</p>

<p><strong>Kashmir too at one end has not been accommodative. Pandits have</strong><strong> not been able to return?</strong><br />
Who is responsible for pandits not going back. All mainstream parties and Hurriyat welcomed them. We asked them to come back. There are pandits living in the Valley. They didn&rsquo;t migrate. It is for the others to make the move and come home. It is as much their home as it is my home. They must make the move.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Is Article 35A an issue in Kashmir?</strong><br />
If it wasn&rsquo;t a big issue, even PDP wouldn&rsquo;t have been shouting against it. It is a major issue in the Valley.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Have you spoken about it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi?</strong><br />
Many people have asked and I would say that I have spoken to him and if the situation arises I would speak to him again. I have no problem in speaking to Prime Minister Modi.</p>

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<p><strong>Where does the solution lie Farooq Abdullah?</strong><br />
Heal the wounds of the people and not by force and arrests, which is being done, and talk to Pakistan. Talk to them or else it will continue to happen. Only talking to Delhi will not make the&nbsp;slightest difference. I remember Vajpayee&rsquo;s words. Friends can be changed but not neighbours.&nbsp;We either live in harmony with our&nbsp;neighbour and both progress or live in animosity and both suffer. These are the golden words. There is always an opportunity for finding a peaceful solution and I think the PM has the courage to do so and if he takes that step, he can make a difference not only to India but to the sub-continent and world peace.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Does Kashmir miss Vajpayee? Do you miss Vajpayee?</strong><br />
We all miss Vajpayee. India misses him. He is still alive. He is a great leader.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>So where is the hope for peace?</strong><br />
I just hope that the government of India takes the steps to bring peace to the Valley. They say that hope is life and if one loses hope, one would lose life. I hope for peace and prosperity not only for Kashmir but for the whole country.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Arrests by NIA also show that Pakistan is funding separatism and the terror network?</strong><br />
Nobody will mind if those arrests prove that money came from Pakistan and they used it. But the longer you hold them in prison, and hold them longer and longer, then people wouldn&rsquo;t believe you and would feel that they are being pushed for saying things. They feel that there is nothing in it.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Are you saying that investigations must conclude quickly?</strong><br />
Yes, it must and quicker and better. It must be fast-paced. It should be revealed to the people of India.</p>


Two days after the government announces a new interlocutor for Kashmir, WION's Kartikeya Sharma speaks with former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah

Two days after the government announced a new interlocutor for Kashmir, WION's Kartikeya Sharma conducts a free-wheeling interview with former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah. It is always better to talk than to beat up a people, Abdullah tells Sharma, but also reminds him that there have been interlocutors before too. What has happened to those reports? asks Abdullah. Abdullah also says that he misses Vajpayee, reminding Sharma of Vajpayee's famous words -- that we can live in peace with our neighbour and (both of us) prosper, or we can live in animosity and suffer. What is National Conference's response to the appointment of Dineshwar Sharma as interlocutor for Kashmir? As far as I’m concerned as the president of the party, it is good that an interlocutor has been appointed but my question is also to the government of India. What about the earlier reports of the interlocutors which lie with the Centre. What has happened to those reports? Late Padgaonkar ji and three committees which were made and gave reports, what happened to them? Why don’t they put them before Parliament? Why weren’t these reports implemented? You were part of the UPA... We did say and always asked as to why these reports aren’t being implemented. Now that government has gone. Governments may go but things are there. Here is a government which says that they are working for the people, and I would be delighted if they open those books and put them before Parliament. Do you feel that successive talks without implementation of the recommendations added fuel to the fire? Absolutely. They spent two years in the state, visiting Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir and met every single person including Hurriyat and compiled the report. It is there in the home ministry. For God's sake bring it out. Why did the government sit on the report? I think you should ask Manmohan Singh as to why wasn’t anything done. Even the present government hasn’t done a thing on it? I don’t know. Please put this question to Home Minister Rajnath Singh. He will be able to answer. I think Army chief should restrict himself to the matters of the Army. He should look after the borders of India rather than talking about other things × Is it mandatory to speak with Pakistan? Hurriyat has made an issue out of it? Frankly I don’t think that interlocutor can discuss with Pakistan. Discussion with Pakistan will have to be with government of India and at levels they choose to do so. Whether it is home minister or prime minister, it is for them to decide. They have a part of Jammu and Kashmir with them and it cannot be ignored. Does the appointment show that a muscular approach does not work with people? Absolutely. Doval’s doctrine has failed. His doctrine was to beat them to the ground and do everything you can to suppress them. Every theory has failed. They thought that with demonetisation, militancy would disappear -- it is at the highest level today. What have they achieved? Nothing. Our tourism has died. It is at zero. Nobody is bothered. What would you like the interlocutor to do? I don’t know who he is going to engage with. The (union) home minister tried to engage with every national party except the Hurriyat. The home minister didn’t talk to Hurriyat. I don't know what a retired civil servant would be able to achieve. Wouldn’t it provide a buffer to mainstream parties like yours? Workers of mainstream parties have been attacked by terrorists? We have had this happen from 1989. Our workers and leaders have been targeted. No one cared. We will face the brunt but we will not disappear. We will be here. What has been the cause of the present unrest where civil institutions are failing to function normally? One is the government of BJP and PDP. It has been the greatest misery that has been inflicted on the people of this state. it really put petrol on the fire and our neighbour utilised it to the best it could. Are you saying that BJP-PDP is an unnatural alliance? I’m not the only person who has said this. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you. BJP has said that this is not the first time unrest has taken place. Worse unrest has taken place in the past? They failed in everything so where does the blame lie. Present Army chief has spoken about the success of Army’s approach in the valley? I think Army chief should restrict himself to the matters of the Army. He should look after the borders of India rather than talking about other things. It doesn’t augur well for him. Has politics of nationalism vs anti-nationalism affected the political discourse in the Valley? Who are anti-nationals? If people ask for their rights, do they become anti-nationals? If they want to speak truth, do they become anti-national? We gave the autonomy resolution to Vajpayee, was that anti-national? It is in the Constitution of India. I don’t understand what is meant by anti-national. If they want to smash the pride of the people -- then they are not going to succeed. Kashmir too at one end has not been accommodative. Pandits have not been able to return? Who is responsible for pandits not going back. All mainstream parties and Hurriyat welcomed them. We asked them to come back. There are pandits living in the Valley. They didn’t migrate. It is for the others to make the move and come home. It is as much their home as it is my home. They must make the move. Is Article 35A an issue in Kashmir? If it wasn’t a big issue, even PDP wouldn’t have been shouting against it. It is a major issue in the Valley. Have you spoken about it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi? Many people have asked and I would say that I have spoken to him and if the situation arises I would speak to him again. I have no problem in speaking to Prime Minister Modi. If people ask for their rights, do they become anti-nationals? If they want to speak truth, do they become anti-national? × Where does the solution lie Farooq Abdullah? Heal the wounds of the people and not by force and arrests, which is being done, and talk to Pakistan. Talk to them or else it will continue to happen. Only talking to Delhi will not make the slightest difference. I remember Vajpayee’s words. Friends can be changed but not neighbours. We either live in harmony with our neighbour and both progress or live in animosity and both suffer. These are the golden words. There is always an opportunity for finding a peaceful solution and I think the PM has the courage to do so and if he takes that step, he can make a difference not only to India but to the sub-continent and world peace. Does Kashmir miss Vajpayee? Do you miss Vajpayee? We all miss Vajpayee. India misses him. He is still alive. He is a great leader. So where is the hope for peace? I just hope that the government of India takes the steps to bring peace to the Valley. They say that hope is life and if one loses hope, one would lose life. I hope for peace and prosperity not only for Kashmir but for the whole country. Arrests by NIA also show that Pakistan is funding separatism and the terror network? Nobody will mind if those arrests prove that money came from Pakistan and they used it. But the longer you hold them in prison, and hold them longer and longer, then people wouldn’t believe you and would feel that they are being pushed for saying things. They feel that there is nothing in it. Are you saying that investigations must conclude quickly? Yes, it must and quicker and better. It must be fast-paced. It should be revealed to the people of India.

The Ajit Doval doctrine has failed: Farooq Abdullah

<p>Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat clarified on Wednesday that the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-ib-director-dineshwar-sharma-will-be-governments-representative-in-jk-rajnath-singh-22764"> appointment of a government representative in Jammu and Kashmir</a> would not impact the operations of the army in the state.</p>

<p>General Rawat&nbsp;said that the situation in Kashmir had improved and the government was speaking from a position of strength in the state.</p>

<p>&quot;Government strategy on Kashmir has worked, we are negotiating from a point of strength. The situation has improved, infiltration has come down, the army chief said.</p>

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<p>The government has appointed him, let him work. It will not affect Army&#39;s operations,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>On October 23, home minister Rajnath Singh said the government would start a sustained dialogue in the terrorist-infested state.</p>

<p>The home minister said director of Intelligence Bureau Dineshwar Sharma will be the representative of the government of India in the state.</p>

<p>The home minister said that Dineshwar Sharma will initiate dialogue with elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir, political parties, different organisations and people.</p>

<p>He added that, as a representative of Government of India, Dineshwar Sharma will initiate sustained interaction and dialogue to understand legitimate aspirations of people in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>


General Rawat?said that the situation in Kashmir had improved and the government was speaking from a position of strength in the state

Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat clarified on Wednesday that the appointment of a government representative in Jammu and Kashmir would not impact the operations of the army in the state. General Rawat said that the situation in Kashmir had improved and the government was speaking from a position of strength in the state. "Government strategy on Kashmir has worked, we are negotiating from a point of strength. The situation has improved, infiltration has come down, the army chief said. "Government strategy on Kashmir has worked, we are negotiating from a point of strength. The situation has improved, infiltration has come down, the army chief said." × The government has appointed him, let him work. It will not affect Army's operations," he added. On October 23, home minister Rajnath Singh said the government would start a sustained dialogue in the terrorist-infested state. The home minister said director of Intelligence Bureau Dineshwar Sharma will be the representative of the government of India in the state. The home minister said that Dineshwar Sharma will initiate dialogue with elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir, political parties, different organisations and people. He added that, as a representative of Government of India, Dineshwar Sharma will initiate sustained interaction and dialogue to understand legitimate aspirations of people in Jammu and Kashmir.

Appointment of interlocutor will not impact Army operations in J&K: Army chief

<p>The Central government of India&#39;s decision to appoint Dineshwar Sharma, former IB Director, for holding talks with Kashmir may have come as a surprise to many but not for Kashmir watchers. The reality was written on the wall. It had to happen.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Despite tough measures taken by the Centre against foreign funds, bumping-off of high-value terrorists, the valley remained unsettled and out of control. Despite the complete support of the Centre to the Army, the message from the ground to the government was clear that New Delhi cannot escape dialogue. It was aired by the Army and bureaucracy.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
So, the announcement should be welcomed because it is a good and a moral step. Dineshwar Sharma will enjoy the status of a Cabinet Secretary and will have the mandate to speak to all in the valley. It will open up a possibility for the government to engage those who have already been painted anti-national by a rancid discourse where nationalism was being used as a bat to hit anyone who felt otherwise in Kashmir.</p>

<p>The appointment of an interlocutor also confirms that Kashmir will be granted some exceptions, and the acknowledgment of the exceptionalism may pave the route for a normal valley. Though every problem in Kashmir cannot be heaped on the foot of PDP-BJP&rsquo;s door, the fact remains that the strong national discourse along pro-Indian and anti-Indian lines had snatched political elbow room from BJP. The strength of the party had become its biggest disability. Despite the fact that it wanted to reach out,&nbsp;it could not because of the community voters BJP has ended up cultivating post-2014. It is in this context this appointment must be seen.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Even if we leave aside Hurriyat which has been flirting with Pakistan and fueling unrest, the strong approach has marginalised the mainstream parties like the PDP and the NC. The sustained dialogue will create a window of opportunity for mainstream and democratic setups like PDP and NC, helping them to buffer themselves from the violence which civil society has heaped on its doorsteps.</p>

<p>It is not without reason that PDP workers are being killed regularly. This will also give a face-saving window to Mufti who has been battling Kashmir alone. It is also not without significance that this announcement has come within 48 hours of Mufti&rsquo;s absence at an official function last minute. Nonetheless, the process will allow restive rural areas to have an ordinary schedule. It is this restiveness and violence at every nook and corner which has been BJP&rsquo;s headache.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Many in the government would argue that BJP was already committed to the talks but the truth is that it couldn&rsquo;t have been seen speaking to those who have already been branded anti-state. Dineshwar Sharma will have to escape this binary. Kashmir cannot become a casualty of liberal vs nationalist debate. He will have to walk a tightrope. The injustice done to the Kashmiri Pandits cannot be pushed under the carpet. Pandits also need a closure; they feel tightly glued to the current narrative. The valley needs to come to a normal.</p>

<p>Kashmir has a unique place in the Indian constitution and history has to be accepted by all. Kashmir resents any change to its status. They don&rsquo;t see it as an integration but an intrusion. It is a fact and people from other parts need to understand it. India is not only an amalgamation of boundaries. It is an amalgamation of ideas and people. Kashmir stands as an example of it. The only hope is that unlike previous dispensations, the Centre doesn&rsquo;t sit on the recommendations. The talks must have a fruitful end as talks without purpose only fuel even more vicious cycle of violence. Kashmir will always remain part of India and not an inch would be ceded but at the end, Kashmiris are also Indians. This message needs to be loud and clear.</p>

<p>Now, the time has come for the various Kashmiri political and social organisations to respond to this overture.</p>


The talks must have a fruitful end as talks without purpose only fuel even more vicious cycle of violence.

The Central government of India's decision to appoint Dineshwar Sharma, former IB Director, for holding talks with Kashmir may have come as a surprise to many but not for Kashmir watchers. The reality was written on the wall. It had to happen. Despite tough measures taken by the Centre against foreign funds, bumping-off of high-value terrorists, the valley remained unsettled and out of control. Despite the complete support of the Centre to the Army, the message from the ground to the government was clear that New Delhi cannot escape dialogue. It was aired by the Army and bureaucracy. So, the announcement should be welcomed because it is a good and a moral step. Dineshwar Sharma will enjoy the status of a Cabinet Secretary and will have the mandate to speak to all in the valley. It will open up a possibility for the government to engage those who have already been painted anti-national by a rancid discourse where nationalism was being used as a bat to hit anyone who felt otherwise in Kashmir. The appointment of an interlocutor also confirms that Kashmir will be granted some exceptions, and the acknowledgment of the exceptionalism may pave the route for a normal valley. Though every problem in Kashmir cannot be heaped on the foot of PDP-BJP’s door, the fact remains that the strong national discourse along pro-Indian and anti-Indian lines had snatched political elbow room from BJP. The strength of the party had become its biggest disability. Despite the fact that it wanted to reach out, it could not because of the community voters BJP has ended up cultivating post-2014. It is in this context this appointment must be seen. Even if we leave aside Hurriyat which has been flirting with Pakistan and fueling unrest, the strong approach has marginalised the mainstream parties like the PDP and the NC. The sustained dialogue will create a window of opportunity for mainstream and democratic setups like PDP and NC, helping them to buffer themselves from the violence which civil society has heaped on its doorsteps. It is not without reason that PDP workers are being killed regularly. This will also give a face-saving window to Mufti who has been battling Kashmir alone. It is also not without significance that this announcement has come within 48 hours of Mufti’s absence at an official function last minute. Nonetheless, the process will allow restive rural areas to have an ordinary schedule. It is this restiveness and violence at every nook and corner which has been BJP’s headache. Many in the government would argue that BJP was already committed to the talks but the truth is that it couldn’t have been seen speaking to those who have already been branded anti-state. Dineshwar Sharma will have to escape this binary. Kashmir cannot become a casualty of liberal vs nationalist debate. He will have to walk a tightrope. The injustice done to the Kashmiri Pandits cannot be pushed under the carpet. Pandits also need a closure; they feel tightly glued to the current narrative. The valley needs to come to a normal. Kashmir has a unique place in the Indian constitution and history has to be accepted by all. Kashmir resents any change to its status. They don’t see it as an integration but an intrusion. It is a fact and people from other parts need to understand it. India is not only an amalgamation of boundaries. It is an amalgamation of ideas and people. Kashmir stands as an example of it. The only hope is that unlike previous dispensations, the Centre doesn’t sit on the recommendations. The talks must have a fruitful end as talks without purpose only fuel even more vicious cycle of violence. Kashmir will always remain part of India and not an inch would be ceded but at the end, Kashmiris are also Indians. This message needs to be loud and clear. Now, the time has come for the various Kashmiri political and social organisations to respond to this overture.

Reality bites: Centre appoints an interlocutor for Kashmir talks

<p>Referring to the unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today, that the government will start a sustained dialogue in the terrorist-infested state.</p>

<p>He said former director of Intelligence Bureau Dineshwar Sharma will be the representative of the government of India in the state.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Government has decided to start a sustained dialogue in J&amp;K. Former IB Director Dineshwar Sharma will be Govt of India&#39;s representative: HM <a href="https://t.co/kQE5Ek5ioP">pic.twitter.com/kQE5Ek5ioP</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922412370919530496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rajnath Singh said that&nbsp;Dineshwar Sharma will hold the rank equivalent to a cabinet secretary.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rank of former IB Director Dineshwar Sharma will be equivalent to that of a Cabinet Secy: HM Rajnath Singh <a href="https://t.co/9QKsoQSPBo">pic.twitter.com/9QKsoQSPBo</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922412788663795713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The home minister said that&nbsp;Dineshwar Sharma will initiate dialogue with elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir, political parties, different organisations and people.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-pakistan-protests-across-pok-to-mark-1947-invasion-22724" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Anti-Pakistan protests across PoK to mark 1947 invasion</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-chief-blames-radicalisation-in-kashmir-on-social-media-22696" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Army chief blames radicalisation in Kashmir on social media</a></p>

<p>He added&nbsp;that, as a representative of Government of India, Dineshwar Sharma will initiate sustained interaction and dialogue to understand legitimate aspirations of people in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dineshwar Sharma will initiate dialogue with elected representatives of J&amp;K, political parties, different organisations and people: HM</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922414162134818816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As a representative of GoI, D Sharma will initiate sustained interaction &amp; dialogue to understand legitimate aspirations of ppl in J&amp;K: HM <a href="https://t.co/5TirdPH9Ed">pic.twitter.com/5TirdPH9Ed</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922414624200204288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>On appointment as the government of India&#39;s representative for dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma said to ANI that the responsibility given to him is big and he hopes to live up to the expectations of the government.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It&#39;s a big responsibility, hope I live up to expectations: Dineshwar Sharma to ANI on appointment as GoI representative for dialogue in J&amp;K</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922422515162431490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti welcomed the government&#39;s initiative and said that&nbsp;dialogue was the only way forward.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Welcome the initiative of Union Government, appointing an interlocutor for leading a sustained dialogue with stakeholders in Jammu &amp; Kashmir.</p>
&mdash; Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/922423012896382976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dialogue is a necessity of the hour and the only way to go forward.</p>
&mdash; Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/922426248122449920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">This dialogue initiative is in line with P.M <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> &lsquo;s 15th August speech &lsquo;na goli se, na gaali se, Kashmir ki samasya suljhegi gale lagaane se&rsquo;.</p>
&mdash; Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/922428928844734464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mehbooba Mufti told ANI Dineshwar Sharma was a &quot;very good person&quot; with has &quot;huge credibility&quot;, and said he had been involved in dialogues in the North East as well.</p>

<p>Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said that the acceptance of the political nature of the issue was a defeat of those who saw force as a solution.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The acceptance of the political nature of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kashmir</a> issue is a resounding defeat of those who could only see use of force as a solution.</p>
&mdash; Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/922417409268465664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
The National Conference (NC) leader also asked implications on the NIA investigations into the terror funding cases in the Valley.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What does this mean for the NIA investigation in J&amp;K? Will investigation be suspended to facilitate dialogue with detained Hurriyat leaders? <a href="https://t.co/zcNYVu7lso">https://t.co/zcNYVu7lso</a></p>
&mdash; Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/922416724141469697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Omar Abdullah&#39;s father and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah said the problem was a political one and the government must talk to Pakistan as well.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It&#39;s a political problem, it&#39;s not only talking to ppl of J&amp;K, Ladakh they have to talk to Pak also: Farooq Abdullah on interlocutor for J&amp;K <a href="https://t.co/6pMoOILClJ">pic.twitter.com/6pMoOILClJ</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922460110391164928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pakistan is also one of the parties to the problems of the state (J&amp;K): Former J&amp;K CM Farooq Abdullah</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922460323881263105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Home minister Rajnath Singh announced a sustained dialogue in the state. He said Dineshwar Sharma will the representative of the central government

Referring to the unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today, that the government will start a sustained dialogue in the terrorist-infested state. He said former director of Intelligence Bureau Dineshwar Sharma will be the representative of the government of India in the state. Government has decided to start a sustained dialogue in J&K. Former IB Director Dineshwar Sharma will be Govt of India's representative: HM pic.twitter.com/kQE5Ek5ioP — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2017 × Rajnath Singh said that Dineshwar Sharma will hold the rank equivalent to a cabinet secretary. Rank of former IB Director Dineshwar Sharma will be equivalent to that of a Cabinet Secy: HM Rajnath Singh pic.twitter.com/9QKsoQSPBo — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2017 × The home minister said that Dineshwar Sharma will initiate dialogue with elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir, political parties, different organisations and people. Also read: Anti-Pakistan protests across PoK to mark 1947 invasion Also read: Army chief blames radicalisation in Kashmir on social media He added that, as a representative of Government of India, Dineshwar Sharma will initiate sustained interaction and dialogue to understand legitimate aspirations of people in Jammu and Kashmir. Dineshwar Sharma will initiate dialogue with elected representatives of J&K, political parties, different organisations and people: HM — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2017 × As a representative of GoI, D Sharma will initiate sustained interaction & dialogue to understand legitimate aspirations of ppl in J&K: HM pic.twitter.com/5TirdPH9Ed — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2017 × On appointment as the government of India's representative for dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma said to ANI that the responsibility given to him is big and he hopes to live up to the expectations of the government. It's a big responsibility, hope I live up to expectations: Dineshwar Sharma to ANI on appointment as GoI representative for dialogue in J&K — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2017 × Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti welcomed the government's initiative and said that dialogue was the only way forward. Welcome the initiative of Union Government, appointing an interlocutor for leading a sustained dialogue with stakeholders in Jammu & Kashmir. — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) October 23, 2017 × Dialogue is a necessity of the hour and the only way to go forward. — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) October 23, 2017 × This dialogue initiative is in line with P.M @narendramodi ‘s 15th August speech ‘na goli se, na gaali se, Kashmir ki samasya suljhegi gale lagaane se’. — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) October 23, 2017 × Mehbooba Mufti told ANI Dineshwar Sharma was a "very good person" with has "huge credibility", and said he had been involved in dialogues in the North East as well. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said that the acceptance of the political nature of the issue was a defeat of those who saw force as a solution. The acceptance of the political nature of the #Kashmir issue is a resounding defeat of those who could only see use of force as a solution. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) October 23, 2017 × The National Conference (NC) leader also asked implications on the NIA investigations into the terror funding cases in the Valley. What does this mean for the NIA investigation in J&K? Will investigation be suspended to facilitate dialogue with detained Hurriyat leaders? https://t.co/zcNYVu7lso — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) October 23, 2017 × Omar Abdullah's father and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah said the problem was a political one and the government must talk to Pakistan as well. It's a political problem, it's not only talking to ppl of J&K, Ladakh they have to talk to Pak also: Farooq Abdullah on interlocutor for J&K pic.twitter.com/6pMoOILClJ — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2017 × Pakistan is also one of the parties to the problems of the state (J&K): Former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2017 ×

Former IB director will be government's representative in J&K: Rajnath Singh