BJP, CPI(M) skeptical of Kashmir interlocutors

New Delhi, Oct 14: The Centre continues to face flak for the choice of interlocutors for Jammu Kahsmir as the BJP and CPI(M) are skeptical of the selection, after hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani completely rejected the formula.

Even though the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not come out with a statement, party sources are quoted as dubbing the interlocutor trio as “light-weight" in several media reports.

Speaking on similar lines, the Left Party, CPI(M), doubted the non-political interlocutor team's capability to carry out the Kashir peace mission.

Both the parties felt that the government should have selected politicians cutting across the party lines as interlocutors.

Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram on Wednesday, Oct 13 named journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, academician Radha Kumar and Information Commissioner M M Ansari as interlocutors for Jammu Kashmir.

The trio, appointed in consultation with the state government, are expected to hold talks will all parties involved in the long standing Kashmir dispute, including the separatists, to facilitate the peace process in the violence-torn valley.

The Hurriyat Conference chief, Syed Ali Shah Geelani was quick to react to the appointment with sharp criticism.

“This is a futile exercise. The Government of India is acting like the deaf and dumb," Geelani said.

OneIndia News