All party delegation meets about 200 members from different sections of society in Srinagar

Before leaving for Srinagar,  Rajnath Singh said that we intend to talk to individuals and groups who want peace and normalcy in the Kashmir valley.

The delegation is on a two-day (Sept 4-5, 2016) visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

During the first day of its visit, the delegation met about 200 members in about 30 delegations from various sections of society and listened to their point of view to reach at a common solution to the current scenario in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Home Minister chaired the meeting of All Party delegation which was attendend by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. During the meeting, a detailed presentation was given by the State Government highlighting various issues related to the current scenario in Jammu and Kashmir.

It was emphsasised that a clear roadmap needs to be drawn with a focus on the way forward. It was also stressed upon that the recommendations of Working Groups and Parliamentary delegations need to be considered.

While interacting with the delegation, Mehbooba Mufti said that Kashmir is a common issue of national interest and should not be viewed as a political issue.

All the parties agreed to this fact and emphasised that steps need to be taken to restore normalcy and peace in Kashmir at the earliest.

The CM of J&K also thanked all the parties for visitng the state to listen to the problems of people of Jammu and Kashmir.

She also thanked the members for holding discussions on the issue of J&K in Parliament.

Mehbooba Mufti emphasised that media needs to be sensitive while reporting on such issues like the current happenings in Kashmir.

The All party delegation also met the representatives of various political parties.

Various political parties expressed their concern over the injuries to civilians due to the use of pellet guns.

The Union Home Minister said that Government is already working on the alternatives to pellet guns such as PAVA shells.

The J&K National Conference led by Omar Abdullah, Indian National Congress J&K led by President Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Peoples Democratic Party led by Sartaj Madni, Peoples Conference led by Sajad Gani Lone, Communist Party of India (M) led by  M. Y. Tarigami, Awami Itihaad Party led by  Abdul Rashid, Peoples Democratic Front led by  HM Yaseen, Democratic Party Nationalist led by Ghulam Hassan Mir and BJP led by state President  Sat Sharma met the All Party delegation.

These parties interacted with the All Party delegation and expressed their views and ground level experiences during the meeting.