Kashmir : Omar hails CCS decisions, cautious on quick results

NEW DELHI - Hailing the Centre’s decision to appoint a Group of Interlocutors to begin the process of sustained dialogue with political parties and groups in Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday asked everyone not to expect quick results after Unified Command’s first meet, as it will take time.

He said the meeting of the Unified Command “would be held soon.”

Abdullah said it while responding to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meet held here today.

Following the CCS meeting, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on the issue of withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from some districts of Kashmir, stated: “suggestions on the AFSPA have to be taken first by the Unified Command in the State.”

Meanwhile, Omar disclosed to reporters that “the head of Interlocuters will be a politician”.

He also announced that “255 detained protestors will be released without charge.”

On the withdrawal of Army from Jammu and Kashmir, he said the State Government “needs to discuss how to reduce security forces’ footprints”

“Army cannot alone decide what can or cannot be done,” he added.

Meanwhile, after the CCS meet held earlier today, Mr. Chidambaram announced that the Government will appoint a Group of Interlocutors under the Chairmanship of an eminent person to begin the process of sustained dialogue with political parties and groups in Kashmir.

He said that the State Government would be advised to consider release of youth arrested for stone pelting. The schools in the Kashmir Valley would also be reopened.

Chidambaram said that an ex-gratia relief amount of rupees five lakhs would be given to the next of kin of those killed in clashes since June 11 this year.

He also announced Rs. 100 crore additional Central assistance to be given as educational grants for schools.

The Government would also examine the reduction of security force bunkers in Srinagar.

“Government of India will also appoint two Special Task Forces to develop the developmental needs to both areas, specifically infrastructure,” Mr. Chidambaram said.

He informed that the CCS took the decisions on the assessment of the 39-member all-party delegation which visited Jammu and Kashmir recently.

The All-Party Delegation visited the State following a cycle of violence that started about three months ago in the valley, which has rocked the Kashmir valley since June 11. (ANI)