Kashmir issue a complex one: Ansari

Srinagar : Terming Kashmir problem a ‘complex one’, M.M.Ansari,one of the interlocutors appointed by the Centre for the Valley, on Friday said that people are divided over the issue and this perception gap has confused the interlocutors.

In an exclusive chat with IBNS, former Information Commissioner and interlocutor M.M.Ansari said that here is no consensus among the Kashmiri leaders over this issue.

“PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) talks about self-rule, NC (National Conference) about autonomy and separatists want cessation from India, while the people are either supporters of PDP or NC and some support the ideology of separatist leaders and therefore in such a situation it is difficult for interlocutors to reach to any conclusion,” Ansari told IBNS.

He said it is necessary for Kashmiri leaders to reach to any consensus, so that discussions and deliberations could be carried out over this sensitive issue.

Ansari said that majority of the state have displayed their faith in Indian democracy, however there are certain ‘elements’ who don?t wish to be part of India.

He said certain CBMs (Confidence Building Measures) are on cards, which include the removal of bunkers, releasing of political prisoners, reduction of troops and providing unemployment to youth.

While replying to a question, Ansari said that they are going to submit a report soon and only then the will be able to discuss this issue thoroughly.

“This is a complex issue and it needs elaborate discussions as it involves a number of stake holders. We are not going to submit a detailed report on Kashmir Resolution, but a this point of time we are only going to submit a sort of thing which will help the Centre to know what would be the approach to handle this issue and only after that we will go for discussions with stake holders and submit our final report,” said Ansari.

(IBNS)