Home Secy may follow up PM146;s visit to J-K

Apart from announcing an economic package for the state, Singh would reiterate his Government8217;s desire to engage all Kashmiri groups, including political parties, and create an opening for his Home Minister.

It is learnt that Patil, accompanied by Home Secretary Dhirendra Singh, are scheduled to visit Kashmir between September 24 and 26. In Srinagar, the Home Minister would interact with the Mufti Mohammed Sayeed Government and would be keen to meet the separatist groups too.

8216;8216;Patil will be ready to meet any Kashmiri group so that the stalled peace process is given a new momentum,8217;8217; said an official.

Patil is expected to meet all members of the Unified Command for a first-hand assessment of the level of infiltration. He would be briefed on counter-insurgency operations and the status of fencing along the LoC too. The critical issue would be whether the separatist groups come out to talk to the Home Minister. While Syed Ali Shah Geelani looks towards a tripartite settlement of the Kashmir issue, the Ministry is looking towards Mirwaiz Umer Farooq for engagement.