Our Recommendations Within Framework of Indian Constitution: Interlocutors

Srinagar, Sept 17: The interlocutors appointed by the Government of India (GoI) Saturday said all their recommendations in their final report will be within the framework of the Indian constitution.

“The recommendations forwarded by us in the final report will be within the framework of Article 370 of Indian Constitution. Indian Home Minister has already said that J&K is a unique State and the solution will also be unique. As long as solution is within the purview of the Article 370, our recommendations will be satisfactory”, chief interlocutor Dilip Padgoankar flanked by two other interlocutors M M Ansari and academician Radha Kumar told the media in the winter capital of Kashmir today.

He said their paramount consideration is to see the state as a combined unit and all our recommendations are precisely including every aspect that gels well within its constitutional domain.

“It is very clear that no resolution is possible till aspirations of the people in all the three regions and its sub-regions are properly addressed,” Padaonokar said.

He said they will not look for a resolution from the prism of any region or community.

On refusal of talks by separatist leaders, he said, “We always made efforts to meet the separatist leaders in Kashmir. If they don’t want to meet us, it is up to them and we can’t do anything in this regard. However, non engagement of separatist leaders will not affect our final report. We have an idea of their perspectives.”

He said they have taken into consideration the five points of Hurriyat hardliner Syed Ali Geelani and four points of Hurriyat moderate Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. “But still, we are ready to meet them to listen to their view points,” he said.

Referring to the issue of clemency for the alleged Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru, Padgoankar said the final decision rests with the President of India.

“In my personal opinion and individual capacity, I am against the capital punishment,” he said adding the interlocutors don’t want to comment on Afzal Guru issue.

Commenting on the issue of unmarked graves in Kashmir, academician Radha said, “The government has to make a decision in this regard. The religious sensibility is involved in the issue and it should be addressed with all complicity and sensitivity. We are sure that steps will be taken and the grievances of the families whose loved ones are disappeared, will be addressed as early as possible”.

Fayaz Wani
Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.