India picks former spy chief Dineshwar Sharma to lead talks on Kashmir

New Delhi: In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s August 15 address in which he said the “Kashmir problem can’t be solved either through goli ya gaali (bullets or abuses) but only by embracing all Kashmiris”, the Centre has now decided on a “sustained dialogue” with all stakeholders to help resolve the vexed issue.

On Monday, the Centre named Dineshwar Sharma, a former Intelligence Bureau chief, as its special representative to initiate the talks.

Announcing this, home minister Rajnath Singh said the representative will decide on whom to have a dialogue with, including separatists and Hurriyat hardliners. The home minister also clarified that Mr Sharma, who would hold the rank of cabinet secretary, would have complete independence in deciding who to hold talks with.

Mr Singh claimed that the Centre has shown complete conviction and consistency in handling the Kashmir issue and the appointment of an interlocutor was part of taking forward the same policy.

Mr Singh also referred to the PM’s Independence Day speech, where Mr Modi had said the government was sensitive to issues related to Jammu and Kashmir.

The PM, the home minister added, had held a number of meetings with political representatives on the Kashmir issue and they all wanted the dialogue process to restart.