Terms of Kashmir dialogue finalised

JAMMU - The Indian government has finalised the terms of dialogue that it intends to open with all the groups in Jammu and Kashmir, including the separatists, highly placed sources said Saturday.

The sources here, in touch with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and union Home Minister P. Chidambaram, told IANS that the central government would open dialogue with the groups in Kashmir with a straight offer to dilute the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the legal cover that shields armed forces from prosecution for any acts of omission and commission in counter-terrorism operations.

It is one of the recommendations of the working group constituted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2006.

Sources said that the government had also decided to inquire into the circumstances leading to 17 deaths in the Kashmir Valley since June 11.

It will also open all the recommendations of the working groups and take measures step by step, sources added.

“There is also a likelihood of an employment package being announced for the unemployed youth in Kashmir, including those who were found to be involved in the incidents of stone throwing,” an official, who is in know of the behind-the scene developments, said.