Kashmir interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma optimistic ahead of second visit
Former Intelligence Bureau chief Dineshwar Sharma has expressed optimism about his second visit to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) as the central government's special representative to the strife-torn state. Sharma will be commencing his trip by visiting migrant Kashmiri Pandit camps in Jammu where he will meet community representatives and discuss their concerns. On Sunday, he will leave for the Kashmir Valley.
Rajnath: Former IB chief Dineshwar Sharma to be J&K interlocutor
On October 23, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh announced that former Intelligence Bureau (IB) director Dineshwar Sharma will initiate dialogue in strife-torn Jammu and Kashmir. He said Sharma "will initiate a sustained interaction and dialogue to understand legitimate aspirations" of J&K citizens. Sharma will hold the position of a cabinet secretary. Regarding talks with separatists, Rajnath said Sharma has autonomy to decide.
Sharma hopes to solve Kashmir's problems one by one
"Some of the issues raised during my first visit have already been solved and my endeavor is to solve all the issues and problems of Kashmiris one by one," an optimistic Sharma told the Economic Times ahead of his visit.
Visit comes after FIRs against first-time stonepelters withdrawn
Sharma is likely to meet students and visit certain areas of south Kashmir, which were the focal point of protests last year. This comes after the Centre formalized the decision to withdraw 4,500 FIRs against first-time stone-pelters. The decision, made as a show of good faith, would likely boost Sharma's initiatives and the ruling Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP-BJP government which is facing a credibility crisis.
Sharma must find way to engage with Hurriyat
However, separatist Hurriyat leaders and other influential civil society members have refused to participate in the dialogue with Sharma. The state government is attempting to arrange a meeting between Hurriyat leaders and Sharma. This would give much-needed credibility to the Sharma-led dialogue.
