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Onkar Singh in New Delhi
The government representative on Jammu and Kashmir, K C Pant, who returned from the troubled state on Monday, said he would talk to anyone who has a viewpoint on the Kashmir problem.
He made this observation when asked why leaders like Ramakrishna Hedge and Syed Shahbuddin, who have nothing to do with Kashmir, were being invited for talks.
"Hedge, as a senior political leader, has his own viewpoint on Kashmir. Shahbuddin too, being an important Muslim leader, can contribute to the process of normalisation in Kashmir. While it is important to know the viewpoints of those living in Kashmir, we must also know the viewpoints of those outside. I would like to keep the people informed about the developments in Kashmir," he said.
Pant claimed that his six-day tour of Jammu and Kashmir enabled him to gain a clearer understanding of the wishes and aspirations of the people of the state, particularly those living in Jammu, Leh and Kargil.
"I have taken note of these sentiments. I have met political leaders from various parties in the three regions -- Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The Hurriyat did not come forward for talks, they would have to explain their stand to the people of the state someday," he said.
"The people of Ladakh want Union territory status. The Panun Kashmir representatives want a homeland for Kashmiri Pandits. Some people suggested that Jammu too be carved out into an independent state. But not a single person raised the issue of referendum," Pant said.
Asked what would be his role in Kashmir when the prime minister himself is going to hold talks with Pakistan's military ruler on the same issue, Pant said his brief remains the same.
When asked to react to Hizbul Mujahideen's offer of de-escalation of violence if significant progress is made during the Vajpayee-Musharaff talks, Pant said: "This is a good statement. The government is willing to talk to militants, but there is no role for foreign militants," he said.
He referred to his tour of Kashmir as phase-I of his attempt to understand the problem of Jammu and Kashmir. But he did not say when he would go to the Valley again.
The J&K Peace Process: Complete Coverage
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