Jethmalani, BJP differ on Kashmir interlocutors

BJP Rajya Sabha member Ram Jethmalani on Tuesday supported the Kashmir interlocutors, saying it was “childish and churlish” to accuse them of internationalising the issue, even as his party said it was the legal eagle’s personal opinion.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had slammed three Central government’s appointed Kashmir interlocutors for overstepping their brief and “internationalizing” the issue.

Jethmalani, however, said interlocutor Dileep Padgaonkar and his team’s task was to find a “peaceful and lasting solution” to the Kashmir problem was “almost superhuman”.

Jethmalani said he prayed for their success, despite having “serious misgivings”.

“Even if they achieve partial result the nation would owe them a debt of gratitude. Neither by acts nor by words we should add to their difficulties,” the eminent lawyer said.
BJP spokesperson Prakash Javdekar in a press conference later in the day said it was Jethmalani’s own opinion.

“It is not the opinion of BJP,” he said.

Government appointed interlocutors- journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, academician Radha Kumar and economist and Information Commissioner MM Ansari- are touring Kashmir since Saturday and meeting different political party leaders and the government ministers and the officials for all shades of opinion.

Their visit concludes on Tuesday.