Tarigami gets invite for third Kashmir roundtable

Srinagar, Apr 16: CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami has received an invitation from the Centre to attend the third round- table conference on Jammu and Kashmir to be chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on April 24.

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil had sent the letter to Mr Tarigami on April 13.

The first round-table conference on Jammu and Kashmir was held in New Delhi on February 25 while the second conclave took place here on May 24-25 last year. The Prime Minister chaired both the meets.

In his letter, Mr Patil said the Prime Minister, at the end of the second round-table conference, had constituted five working groups to look more closely at the broader issues and problems concerning Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the four working groups have already submitted their reports which would be discussed in the third round-table conclave.

Significantly, Mr Tarigami had dashed a letter to the Prime Minister on February 20 this year in which he urged Dr Singh to immediately convene the third round-table conference so that the recommendations of working groups were implemented.

He said at the end of second round-table, it was proposed the third conclave would consider the recommendations of the five working groups, which were given a six-month time for the purpose.

''That period has ended. As such, the third meet has already got delayed as the fifth working group dealing with the crucial issue of Centre-State relations, for some reasons, was not able to hold discussions on time. Its further delay may neither be advisable nor fruitful under the circumstances,'' Mr Tarigami said in the letter.

The CPI(M) leader said taking into account the importance and the delicate nature of the subject, it would not be possible for the group to come out with its recommendations in the near future.

''Instead of needlessly waiting for the suggestions of the fifth group, it will be appropriate to proceed further and consider the recommendations of other working groups,'' he added.

Mr Tarigami also lauded the Prime Minister for initiating an internal dialogue on Kashmir. ''It is undoubtedly a significant measure toward the quest for peace in the troubled state. As the contours of the dialogue widen and credible measures are taken to address the genuine aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, hopes would soar high,'' he added.

However, the CPI(M) leader urged Dr Singh to also hold talks with those who have so far stayed away from the dialogue process.

Mr Tarigami stressed the need of involving all shades of opinion in the dialogue process on Kashmir. Talks should also be held with those who have, for many reasons, so far chosen not to take part in the dialogue process, he added.

''Whatever the mode of their participation, whether separately or with others, the issues need to be discussed on a broader compass to render the outcome more purposeful and credible,'' he said.

UNI