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May submit report without separatists' views: Kashmir interlocutors

July 13, 2011 17:00 IST
Centre's interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday said they will submit their final report, suggesting solution to the political problems of the state, to the government of India without including separatists' viewpoint if they do not come forward for talks.

"We have repeatedly said we are ready for talks, either open or closed door, whenever and wherever they want. The decision has to be taken by them (the separatists).

"However, if they don't come forward we will still submit our report on the basis of interactions we have had with people from various walks of life," Dilip Padgaonkar, who is heading the three-member team, told reporters in Jammu at the conclusion of their 10th visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

On whether they felt humiliated after the separatists declined to meet them, he said, "We are not embarrassed. They (separatists) too have constraints and compulsions. But they alone can decide what and where to talk to us. As I said if they come forward (for dialogue) it will enrich our report."

When asked to comment on moderate faction Hurriyat conference chairman Umar Farooq's Tuesday's statement that the dialogue process initiated by the Centre through the interlocutors is a farce, Padgaonkar said, "We do not want to say anything on that. There are several processes going on...

There will be separate exercises...This is democracy."

The two other members of the team include social activist Radha Kumar and former information commissioner M M Ansari.

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