Govt compliments role of J-K interlocutors

New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) The Centre today complimentedthe three-member group of interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir,saying their interactions have encouraged people, who havenever been heard before, to speak out.

Lauding the works of the interlocutors - eminentjournalist Dileep Padgaonkar, former Information CommissionerM M Ansari and academician Radha Kumar - Home Secretary GopalK Pillai said since their appointment in October 2010, thegroup has spoken to hundreds of people and many groups.

"People, who have never been heard, are now speaking,"he said at a seminar at Jamia Milia Islamia University here.

The Home Secretary said the government was expectinginterlocutors to submit their final report by April.

"So far we have received three reports. When their finalreport comes, we will share it with all political parties, theUnion Cabinet and decide on a future course of action," hesaid.

The interlocutors in their reports submitted the"broad contours" for a lasting solution to the Kashmir issuefor consideration by the government.

The Centre has sent "some" of its recommendations tothe state for necessary action.

"Action has been initiated on the recommendations. Somerecommendations have been sent to the state government fornecessary action. Some are under implementation," the HomeMinistry said in a statement earlier.

In its report, the group recommended expediting casesof undertrials, permitting peaceful protests and releasingmilitants and protesters against whom there are no seriouscharges, among others.

The group also recommended training of security forces,identifying jobs for young men and women in central and stategovernment offices, announcing scholarships for Kashmiristudents, enhancing monetary assistance to widows and orphans,efforts to trace missing persons and increasing monthlyallowances for Kashmiri Pandits.