Modi govt starts dialogue process for peace in Kashmir: Top 10 developments

Former IB director Dineshwar Sharma, who the Centre appointed as its representative for a sustained dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir, said his priority would be to restore peace in the state

In what is being seen as a shift from its previous policy on Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the Modi government on Monday announced it would start a "sustained dialogue" process with all stakeholders, including separatists, and appointed former Intelligence Bureau (IB) director Dineshwar Sharma as its special representative.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the move was to carry forward the "the conviction and consistency" in the government's Kashmir policy. "We have decided that a sustained dialogue process should begin in Jammu and Kashmir."

Here are the top ten developments regarding the Centre's renewed efforts for peace in Kashmir

1) Sharma to have complete freedom in holding talks: Dineshwar Sharma would hold talks with all sections of people and organisations, Rajnath Singh said on Monday. The home minister said Sharma, who would hold the rank of a Cabinet secretary, would have complete independence in deciding who to hold talks with, indicating that talks with separatist leaders were also possible. He was replying to a question on whether Sharma would hold discussions with the Hurriyat Conference. "As a representative of the government of India Sharma will initiate a sustained interaction and dialogue to understand legitimate aspirations of people in Jammu and Kashmir. He will meet elected representatives, political parties, different organisations and individuals he wants to," Singh said. (Read more here)