Centre’s 8-point formula welcomed by Kashmir youth forum

SRINAGAR - The Jammu and Kashmir Youth Development Forum has hailed the Centre’s eight-point initiative for the Kashmir valley, describing it a positive development which would lead to resolve the political issues of the State.

The Jammu and Kashmir Youth Development Forum chairman, Farooq Ganderbali, on Sunday said, “New Delhi has acted swiftly to fulfill the aspirations of Kashmiri people. The latest initiative is a welcome step and it would usher a new era of peace in the state.”

While urging all shades of political opinion in the state to welcome the latest initiative, her said, “I hope that separatist forces will react positively to the latest offer. No conflict in the world can be resolved by the means of violence. History stands testimony that all conflicts have been resolved on negotiation table.”

He said the Centre’s eight-point initiative was a positive development and the appointment of interlocutors to start dialogue with civil society was a welcome step.

On Saturday, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said that the Government would 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 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.

The Home Minister disclosed this after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) here today.

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

On the issue of withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from some districts of Kashmir, Mr. Chidambaram said suggestions on the AFSPA have to be taken first by the Unified Command in the State.

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)