 | « Back to article | Print this article |
The newly-appointed interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday said their talks are a "difficult" exercise but they would approach all with an "open mind and a big heart".
Eminent journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, who along with noted academician Radha Kumar and former CIC member M M Ansari, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, said their talks would be comprehensive and they would engage in dialogue with all shades of opinion.
"The Prime Minister reiterated support at the highest level. The Prime Minister said talk particularly with youth and women," he told media persons after the meeting.
Padgaonkar said the way of looking at Kashmir has been different from region to region and the three-member panel would be sensitive to all aspects.
"These are difficult talks. We will be talking with an open mind and a big heart. It will be comprehensive," he said.
Padgaonkar said the interlocutors would be going to Srinagar at the earliest and the Prime Minister conveyed to them that they were welcome to share their insights with him anytime.
"We are hugely impressed with the depth and sincerity of the Prime Minister to ensure that a solution is found... We are planning to visit Jammu and Kashmir once every month. We will be submitting interim reports after every visit with suggestions and recommendations. We have a mandate of a year," he said.
Another interlocutor Radha Kumar said the Prime Minister stressed on the importance of finding a political solution which is comprehensive.
"He (the Prime Minister) said it (talks) must take into account aspirations of people. Dialogue should take into account previous dialogues as well those involving dissident groups, including Pak-related processes that were part of it," she said.
Image: Interlocutors for Kashmir, Dr Dilip Padgaonkar, Prof (Mrs) Radha Kumar and Prof M.M. Ansari calling on the Prime Minister in New Delhi on October 21
Photograph: PIB