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Journalism of Courage
The issue of granting more autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir should be ‘‘reviewed and discussed’’ and the dialogue process carried forward on a ‘‘sustained basis’’, with all groups abjuring violence, Home Minister Shivraj Patil has recommended in a report to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
‘‘The Centre is committed to carry forward the dialogue with all groups and with different shades of opinion in J-K on sustained basis,’’ he said, listing a multi-pronged strategy to bring peace in the state in the report, based on his visit to Kashmir, Jammu and Leh earlier this month. Efforts should be continued to bring the Hurriyat Conference to the talks table, Patil added.
The security cover of the CM and top politicians in J-K should be upgraded on the lines of the PM’s elite Special Protection Group (SPG), Patil said in the 70-page report presented to the PM last week.
Patil suggested that nine India reserve battalions and a CRPF be raised, to provide employment opportunities. There should be better coordination between security forces and intelligence agencies, Patil said, adding they should be given latest communication equipment and better training.
