Sinha panel wants immediate dialogue in J&K

Srinagar, Feb 18: The delegation comprising of five members led by former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha who visited the valley twice last year on Saturday urged the government of India to initiate a dialogue process in Jammu and Kashmir by involving all the stakeholders.

Expressing concern over the ‘deteriorating situation' in the Valley, the group in a press statement said, “The loss of lives in the recent incidents was unnecessary and avoidable.”

They said that the issue of Jammu and Kashmir is a political issue and demands a political solution. “This can be achieved only through a dialogue with all the stakeholders,” The group added.

They said that it was the realization of this necessity that persuaded the political parties in the present alliance government in the state to accept this as the way forward in their agenda of governance.

“We are dismayed at the complete disregard of this assurance and at the reluctance of those in authority to engage in a dialogue. The present bloodshed must come to an end and dialogue alone will achieve this end,” Sinha led group added.

“We therefore call upon the government of India to immediately begin the process of dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir by involving all the stakeholders,” the statement further reads.