Srinagar, Oct 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday stressed on the need for giving a chance to interlocutors to set off a political initiative aimed at chalking out roadmap towards finding a solution to Kashmir problem prior to drawing conclusion on the whole process.
In an apparent reference to separatists who have rejected the appointment of 3-member team of interlocutors as “futile exercise,” Omar said there would be ample time to oppose the interlocutors if they didn’t succeed in the task.
“The biggest advantage is that they will hold talks without any conditions. There are no boundaries and no deadlines. We make a mistake by thinking that the interlocutors will decide Kashmir issue. It has to be solved by Prime Minister and Home Minister. Interlocutors have to only create an atmosphere. Let them start their job. There will be time to oppose them if they don’t succeed,” Omar told reporters after addressing Police Commemoration Day at Zewan in the city outskirts.
“They have not started their work yet and people have started opposing them. Home Minister has made it clear that Kashmir is a political problem and needs a political solution. What else do you want?” Omar responded to a question.
On the appointment of 4th interlocutor, possibly a politician, as part of the team, Omar said Home Minister had already said there is a place for the 4th interlocutor.
“I will be in touch with him and sharing suggestions on how to take the process forward. We have received some feedback and I will be sharing it with the Home Minister,” Omar responded. The team is likely to make its first trip to Srinagar by this weekend.

On Kashmir unrest and police role:
Omar stressed on the need for “normal policing” to tackle the kind of public unrest witnessed in the Valley during past four months in which 111 people were killed in Police and CRPF action.
“The situation was very difficult for handling during past four months in Kashmir for police, CRPF and civil administration. Though it has improved to some extent there is a continuous threat due to announcements (by separatists). I hope Police and CRPF will exercise patience.”
For past 20 years, Omar said, the JK Police had to perform on two fronts—tackling militancy and handling law and order situation.
“These two situations need two different approaches to act and perform. It is important to train our police to perform on both fronts,” he said. “Since police was fighting on militancy front for past 20 years, the concentration got diverted from normal policing,” Omar said. “The state is passing through a difficult time but police has to maintain patience,” he said.
The CM said as militancy had come down over the years a different challenge has come to the fore, which needs a different approach, strategy and equipment.
“I understand that normal policing cannot be done overnight but steps need to be taken in that direction. “Last four months have not been easy for the police. I know you have faced troubles, I know your families have faced problems and that conspiracies have been hatched against you. You have been brave in all these circumstances and there is a need to remain patient,” Omar said.
On the upcoming visit of US President Barrack Obama to India next month and the security measures that would be put in place to avoid any untoward incident in the state, in view of the Chattinsingpora massacre of Sikhs during the visit of former US President Bill Clinton to New Delhi in 2001, Omar said his government would ensure no incident takes places.
“We will hold Unified Command meeting soon to review the situation and prepare for the task ahead,” Omar said. 
Director General of Police, Kuldeep Khoda, paid tributes to the police personnel killed during anti militancy operations.
“During militancy period 5,251 police personnel lost their lives. The fight against militancy has not ended and our forces are vigilant and determined to foil any militancy act,” he said.
He enumerated the measures taken by government in terms of monetary benefits and job opportunities to support families of police personnel who lost their lives fighting militancy during past one year.
The DGP expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for sanctioning allowances equal to 10 percent of the basic pay in favour of police.
Among others present on the occasion were ministers Abdul Rahim Rather, Taj Mohi-ud-Din and Shabir Ahmad Khan.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 21 Oct 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 IST