Jethmalani off to US and UK; Shabir in Delhi

Ram Jethmalani has left for a 10-day tour of the USA and the UK. Sources said Jethmalani’s visit is on the lines of track-II diplomacy that India has been pursuing on Kashmir issue. ‘‘He has friends in both the countries and he would be interacting with them there,’’ a source close to him said.

Meanwhile, former Hurriyat leader Shabir Shah is here on a ‘‘secret mission’’. Unconfirmed reports suggest that he may meet some people in connection with J-K. The Centre is hoping he would participate in the October polls. Shabir has not clarified his position as yet. Hurriyat Conference chairman Prof. Abdul Ghani Bhat is also expected in Delhi soon.