J&K interlocutors submit report to Govt: ‘Separatists have missed the bus’

He also asserted the report was “as accurate and as comprehensive reflection of the broadest possible spectrum of opinion” in J&K.

As first reported by The Indian Express,the three interlocutors — Padgaonkar,academician Radha Kumar and former Central Information Commissioner M M Ansari — have recommended to the Centre to prevail upon the J&K government to set up autonomous regional councils to ensure equitable development of the three regions of the J&K. Among other things,the panel has also recommended withdrawal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the state in a phased manner.

“Indeed our prime focus in the report is the welfare of people of Jammu and Kashmir and it is along this key concept that we have made out recommendations,” Padgaonkar said. He was accompanied by Ansari and Radha Kumar.

“Let me tell you that questions related to AFSPA,to the Disturbed Areas Act,to various other legislations that are in force…have been mentioned… We have also had regular consultations with the heads of the police,paramilitary forces,the Army and we have got their side of the story. All this has been reflected in our report.”

On the refusal of the separatists to talk to the panel,Padgaonkar said,“We have taken into account the stated public positions of separatist groups. These have been reflected in our report. Obviously if they had engaged in talks with us,the report would certainly have been far more worthwhile. The fact of the matter is that we have tried again and again to engage them and again and again they refused. I believe they have missed the bus.”

The panel has not recommended reversion to the pre-1953 status for J&K,when the Centre had control over just three subjects — Defence,Foreign Affairs and Communications — holding that the clock can’t be turned back. But,the panel has suggested all stakeholders should try to achieve some consensus on the measure of autonomy for the state.