Kupwara vows end to stone pelting

“We pledge to end the stone pelting during protests if you can assure that the security forces will not use violence against us,” a local said while interacting with the team.

His view was echoed by other residents.

Academician Radha Kumar,one of the interlocutors,said the message will be conveyed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when the team goes back to Delhi.

Explaining the significance of three flags in white,black and red at the meeting venue,Rashid said while the white one symbolised the desire of the people for peace in Kashmir,the black indicated mourning the death of the people,who died due to violence during the two decades of conflict in the valley.

“The red flag is our resolve to give any sacrifice for resolution of Kashmir issue as per the wishes and aspirations of the people,” he said.

The independent MLA said the Centre should also initiate talks with militants for finding a durable solution to the Kashmir issue.

“The men with guns in their hands should also be included in the dialogue for ensuring an end to this conflict,” he said,adding that both the ruling National Conference and Opposition Peoples Democratic Party should formulate a common minimum grounds for the resolution of Kashmir issue.

The interlocutors,who is currently on their third visit to Jammu and Kashmir,are scheduled to return tomorrow.

Earlier,they had visited the state from October 23 to 28 and November 9 to 14.

The Centre appointed the group after Kashmir valley witnessed one of its most turbulent summer,which left more than 100 civilians dead and thousands others including security force personnel injured.