New Delhi, Nov 22: Stating that there was no forward movement on Kashmir issue after the visit of all-party delegation, a group of politicians and civil society members will be visiting the Kashmir Valley in early December to further help “build confidence”.
The delegation includes LJP chief Ramvilas Paswan, CPI(M)’s Brinda Karat, CPI’s D Raja, TDP’s Namo Nageshwar Rao, Danish Ali of JD-S, Rajya Sabha member Shahid Siddiqui and film maker Mahesh Bhatt.
The initiative is the brainchild of Centre for Policy Analysis. The delegation will be visiting Kashmir from December 3 “to meet with all shades of public opinion and citizens in the Valley.”
Announcing the initiative, Paswan said the delegation would speak to all shades of opinion, including that of separatists.
“We have got appointments with Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Shabir Shah and Yasin Malik,” he told reporters here.
He said the initiative comes in the backdrop of the Union Home Ministry “not doing enough” or “not coming with any concrete steps” to capitalise on the visit of the all-party delegation to the Valley.
Paswan said appointment of “non-political” interlocutors was “disappointing” as the need of the hour was to involve those who can bridge the gap.
“Kashmir is peaceful now. It does not mean that the problem is solved. Our delegation is not an official one but we will be meeting common people, youth and political leaders and create an atmosphere of peace,” Paswan said.
Raja said it was time to build confidence of Kashmiris and tell them that the entire nation was with them.
The CPI leader said the interlocutors should have been political personalities who are known for their integrity so that it gives a “proper message” to Kashmiris that the government of India is serious.
Pertinently, the separatists have refused to meet the Union Home Ministry appointed three-member panel of interlocutors including journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, academician Radha Kumar and former Information Commissioner MM Ansari who have already made two trips to the state.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 22 Nov 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 IST