'More autonomy to JK must be reviewed and discussed' Sunday, November 21 2004 12:41 Hrs (IST)
New Delhi:
The issue of granting more autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir should be "reviewed and discussed" and the dialogue process carried forward on "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 valley, Jammu and Leh earlier this month.
The Government, he said, has repeatedly stated its willingness to hold talks on wide-ranging issues with all groups, leaders, intelligensia, mediapersons and elected representatives.
Efforts should be continued to bring Hurriyat Conference to the table for talks, Patil said, noting emphasis should also be on strengthening the mainstream political parties.
On the issue of security cover of the Chief Minister and top politicians in JK, he said it should be upgraded on the lines of Prime Minister's elite Special Protection Group (SPG).
The VIP security apparatus should be synergised by bringing a senior and experienced office of SPG in consultation with the State Chief Minister, Patil said in the 70-page report presented to Singh last week.