Srinagar:
On its maiden visit to the state the three-member interlocutor team has been trying to get all shades of opinion in Jammu and Kashmir. Just how far are the interlocutors willing to go to gather, as per their state brief, all shades of opinion?
NDTV has learnt that the team and jailed militant commanders have talked about involving not just Pakistan but also holding talks with the United Jehad Council, the PoK-based alliance of anti-India militant groups headed by Salahuddin.
On Monday, Delhi's interlocutors met some top jailed commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen and a Lashkar commander Shabir Bukhari.
Sources say, the interlocutors told the militants that they should convince their PoK-based leadership to talk.
In the past, the government has called upon militants to give up violence and come to talks but such offers have been rejected.
Now, it's the first attempt to reach out to militants after the aborted dialogue with some Hizbul Mujahideen commanders in 2000.
But speaking to militants is a sensitive issue. It comes in the backdrop of the controversy over the interlocutors' chief saying a permanent peace would not be possible with involving Pakistan. (
Read: Jethmalani embarrasses BJP, backs Kashmir interlocutors)
"You talked to Pakistan every time on Kashmir after Shimla agreement. Didn't Vajpayee talk with Pakistan on Kashmir when he visited Lahore? asked Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, J&K. (
Read: Kashmir issue: Can't ignore Pak role, says Omar)
Omar further said, "Isn't there a resolution passed by Parliament demanding Pakistan to vacate PoK, there you involve Pakistan and when interlocutors are talking here about Pakistan you are suddenly getting irritated. Pakistan has role in J&K issue and you can't ignore it..."
The interlocutors end their first visit today. So far, they have managed to reach out to various sections, from top politicians to students and other ordinary citizens. This, despite a call by the separatists for a boycott of the interlocutors.
In fact, in an attempt to win the confidence of separatist families, the three interlocutors visited the ailing mother of jailed separatist Shabir Shah.
After initial cynicism and road blocks, the Centers' interlocutors have finally been able to establish contacts and they are making noises and striking a chord for once they have started to think out of box.