Absence of Separatists' recommendations wont affect final report:Padgaonkar

On their final leg to Jammu and Kashmir, centre appointed interlocutors have brushed aside the significance of 'separatists non-participation' in their talks stating that they weren't likely to dent their final recommendations which will be submitted to the government on October 12.

On their final leg to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, centre appointed interlocutors have brushed aside the significance of 'separatists non-participation' in their talks stating that they weren't likely to dent their final recommendations that will be submitted to the government of India on October 12.

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"No big difference would affect the report about their non engagement in the talks as we have exercised greater elaboration on the 5 points of view of Geelani as well as four of Mirwaiz besides those of the others also," said Dileep Padgaonkar to a question regarding the findings turning out to be incomplete in such circumstances. However, admitting that although the exercise done by them was exhaustive,it may still be incomplete.

He said that the doors are still opened for them for any engagement, anywhere.

He also rubbished allegations that the report was loaded with favoritism towards granting pre-53 status to the state saying that the recommendations contain a wholesome account of the aspiration of all the people and communities of the three regions and would be submitted to the GOI on October 12.

"We did not look into the issues through the prism of one comment or the community and appeal to all to wait until the final draft is published," said Padgaonkar.

On the resolution coming up for the clemency to Afzal Guru likely to include any additional report in their recommendations, Padgaonkar wished not to comment on the issue saying that final decision rests with the President of India only.

"In my individual capacity I do not favour capital punishment as is elaborated in the statute book of the constitution of India also," he said, adding that any development in this case would have no bearing on their recommendations.

Voicing the home minster’s statement over the situation being unique in Jammu and Kashmir needing a unique solution only, Padgaonkar also made clear his stand on his team’s recommendation to be within the framework of Art 370 as well as the constitution of India.

"Our paramount consideration is to see the state as a combined unit and all our recommendations are precisely including every aspect that gels well within its constitutional domain," said Padgaonkar.

Preferring to remain tight lipped on the contents of the recommendations, he however denied to be treading any ‘red lines’ drawn from the centre in the process.

"We had an open accesses given by the home ministry as no lines were drawn anywhere," he said.

The interlocutors’ last leg visit in Jammu included a tour to Samba as well as a briefing from the situation in the state from lt general KT Parnaik , GOC-in-C Northern Command that presented an upbeat scenario.

"This is due to the will of the people along with the greater synergy between the security agencies and the government," informed Padgaonkar as briefed by lt gen Parnaik adding that improvement in governance, delivery of development services, enhanced engagement with communities, especially with youth, an emphasis on the rule of law, restraint in the use of force all taken together account for the changed scenario.

"Yet it was pointed out that irreversible change can happen only when there is sound evidence that the structures of terror in Pakistan are dismantled," he said.

The interlocutors including Radhakumar who spoke on the occasion reserved their comments on SHRC’s directive for DNA test for the unmarked graves in the valley saying that the issue is religious sensitive and demands great care and precision.

"Decision is with the government to take which contains primarily the religious sensibility of the people, consideration of the militants and also of the families whose kins have disappeared. Taking an absolute sincerity and sensibility will help the issues to be addressed," said Radha kumar responding to a question.