Political solution to Kashmir likely in few months: P Chidambaram

Contours of a political solution to the Kashmir problem are likely to emerge in the next few months, said Union Home Minister P Chidambaram here on Thursday.

Chidambaram was addressing a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to his Ministry here. The subject of the discussion was ?Matters relating to Jammu & Kashmir?.

The Minister said that the first and second reports of the group of interlocutors for Jammu & Kashmir dealt with confidence-building measures.

He has asked the group to now focus on finding the contours of a political solution.

Appreciating the work done by the group, Chidambaram remarked that it is making good progress.

?Kashmir issue is a political issue for which a political solution must be found. However, peace and good governance are pre-requisites for reaching a political solution,? said Chidambaram.

?Efforts must be made to win the minds and hearts of the people of the state,? he added.

He said the violence being witnessed in Jammu & Kashmir is of two types and a different approach must be adopted to deal with each.

?The violence perpetrated by militants and infiltrators must be dealt with in a strong and resolute manner. On the other hand, the violence witnessed during protests by residents of Jammu & Kashmir requires deft and sensitive handling,? the Minister said.

The Union Home Minister pointed out that after the Government announced the 8-point Plan for Jammu & Kashmir recently, the situation there has improved considerably.

?This process must be strengthened. Space must be allowed for peaceful protests. Governance and delivery on the ground must improve. Visible presence of security forces must be reduced,? he said.

Chidambaram said two Special Task Forces ? one for Jammu and the other for Ladakh ? have been constituted to examine the developmental needs of these regions.

The Prime Minister?s Office has constituted an Expert Group under the chairmanship of C. Rangarajan to formulate a job plan for Jammu & Kashmir.

?It is expected that the reports of all these groups will be received by next month so that their recommendations can be considered by the Government and factored in the next year?s Budget.?

The Centre has released Special Plan Assistance of Rs. 100 crore to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir for improving the infrastructure in schools and colleges.

On Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), Chidambaram stated that a proposal to amend the Act is under consideration of the Government. He also informed the members about the steps taken for the rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants.

Drawing attention to the recent positive developments in Jammu & Kashmir, Chidambaram said 5,56,370 tourists visited the state this year up to December 6, which shows an increase of about 25 per cent over the number during the corresponding period last year.

The Amarnath Yatra this year was one of the most peaceful yatras ever conducted and 4,58,000 pilgrims took part in the Yatra, the Home Minister said.

At least 108 people were killed in anti-India protests led by the separatists in Kashmir since June 11, prompting the Centre to initiate talks with the various groups in the state, propose greater autonomy and depute an all-party delegation to the Valley.