Interlocutors Report: Reactions pour in People across political spectrum reject the report

Interlocutors Report: Reactions pour in People across political spectrum reject the report

Srinagar, May 23 (KNS): After a long wait, the interlocutor’s report on Kashmir was finally made public on Thursday, with the Home Minster P Chidamabrm releasing it at New Delhi. Political parties across the spectrum have given their reactions to the recommendations of the interlocutor’s report: Radha Kumar:

"Article 370 must be a red heading for any settlement to arrive. We have suggested that Jammu and Kashmir citizens hold dual identity, one that they are the sate subject and the second that they are the Citzens of India”, Prof. Radha Kumar, the member of the Interlocutor’s team told KNS over phone from New Delhi.She added that report enshrines the suggestions that the Titles of Sadre Riyast and Wazeer e Azam be restored and the Governor should not be nominated by the Centre. “Article 370 clearly sates that Jammu and Kashmir is the part of Union of India with three portfolios to remain under the control of Union.There is never a mention that state wasn’t a part of India.” Radha asserted, however, she added that the final settlement has to be political and with the consultations of India, Pakistan and the Kashmiri leadership”, Said Kumar. She also said that the report has recommended abolition of ‘Temporary’ term for Article 370 and has suggested that it be replaced with the term ‘Special’" We have suggested that the word 'Temporary' be deleted from the heading of Article 370 and from the title of Part XXII of the Constitution and replace it with 'Special' as has been used for other states under other Articles for Maharashtra, Gujarat, Sikkim and northeast." Radha said.The report recommends that the constitutional committee to be headed by an eminent person should review the Central State Ties and the report should be sought within six months.
Radha said that the constitution of India was not a closed Chapter and has been amended several times, “it has been amended several times”, Radha asserted.Radha said that the interlocutor’s would now hold series of discussions, debates and seminars in the state to get feedback on the report. “We will hold debates with the help of think tanks across the state to get a feed back from the cross section of people on the report”, vowed Kumar. She added that Separatist leaders also would be approached for their feedback.The report was submitted to Home Ministry by the three member team of Interlocutors headed by eminent Journalist Dilip Padgaonkar. The other members included M.M Ansari and noted academician Prof. Radha Kumar. The team submitted its report to the Home Ministry in Oct. last.
Chief Minster:
Soon after the report was released by Home Minster P. Chidambarm in New Delhi on Thursday, Chief Minster Omar Abdullah in his first reaction said that he will not be commenting on the report in a hurry."Dear friends in the media, I will not be reacting to the interlocutors' report for the time being, will let you know when, and if, I am ready to," Omar Tweeted on micro blogging site Twitter. According to KNS, in another tweet, Chief Minster said, "Will take a few days to examine the report, discuss it with senior colleagues (and) then react,"
M.Y.Tarigami
“Report can’t be substitute to Political Settlement”, Tarigami reacted. Stating that the report should have been tabled in Parliament, CPI (M) state secretary and MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yousf Tarigami said, “ Parliament is in session, it should have been tabled there.”Talking to KNS over phone, Tarigami said, “The report deals with different aspects of a serious issue and needs a broader discussion and debate.” He however added that CPI (M) believes that GOI must take substantial steps to advance to advance the political dialogue to seek a political solution of the issue. “Bold initiates need to be taken to address this long standing issue.” Tarigami told KNS. He added that CPI (M) has already proposed a comprehensive roadmap to build consciences and promote political dialogue. “We have proposed strengthening people to people contacts, withdrawal of AFSPA and other draconian laws and dismantling of Oppressive Security Structure”, asserted Tarigami. He added that his party has suggested investigating the alleged Human rights Violations through a judicial commission. However Tarigami stressed that the report should not be taken as a ‘substitute’ for a political solution and said that it needed to be discussed seriously.