Jammu, July 12: The second round table (RTC) Conference organised by the New Delhi appointed Interlocutors on Kashmir Tuesday ended on a high note with the participants stressing on “boosting and promoting cultural integration to fill up the regional gap” in this trouble-torn state.
 They were of the opinion that the regional gap, which is of political, social or linguistic nature, was the main reason for vexed problem in Jammu and Kashmir. “The gap needs to be filled in way so that the aspirations of all the three are fulfilled,” they maintained.
 The Interlocutors Panel include noted journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, Radha Kumar and M M Ansari.
 “Discussion was quite fruitful and valuable suggestions had been made by the participants. There was a wide consensus on larger issues. We will submit these recommendations to the Government of India,” one of the Interlocutors Radha Kumar told reporters in a brief chat with media after conclusion of the two-day- RTC here.
 “We are hopeful that the dialogue process would bring a positive change vis-à-vis restoring a peaceful atmosphere,” she added.
 The first session of the conference was headed by the daughter of former Sadr-e-Riyasat Dr Jyotsana Singh while the second session was headed by the Minister for PHE and Irrigation Taj-Mohi-ud-Din. The BJP Member of Parliament Rajan Sushant also attended the meeting.
 Talking to the reporters after the meeting, the BJP MP said, “We laid thrust on equal development of all three regions. There are issues of refugees, Kashmiri Pandits and other migrated people which need immediate attention and resolution. We also call for equal distribution of employment package which was recently announced by the Centre for Jammu and Kashmir.”
 Sources said that the Interlocutors may hold third RTC either in Kargil or Ladakh before finalizing any report on Kashmir imbroglio. “They will submit their final report in the month of October,” said sources. 
 On the concluding day, in first session, speakers threw light on role of Arts in preserving Pluralism. The Speakers Vijaya Thakur, Ghulam Nabi Khayal, M. K. Raina and Chair Jyotsna Singh spoke in detail and highlighted recommendations for promotion of culture, languages and arts of the three region of the State.
 Speakers Vice Chancellor Jammu University Varun Sahni, Gul Wani, Pinto Norbu and Chair Syed Shahid Mahdi spoke in another session on the topic Policies and Mechanisms for Accommodating Diversity. They expressed their views in this regard.
 Over 50 persons from various walks of life including culture, heritage, academics and civil society took part in the two days long conference. So far they have met about 550 delegations across the State during their 10 visits. They have traveled to 18 of 22 districts in the state.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 12 Jul 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 12 Jul 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 IST