(a) whether any talks have been held among the Union Government, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, the people of State and the leaders of the militant groups operating in the State;
(b) if so, the details in this regard;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the stand of Union Government in the matter?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS ( CH. VIDYASAGAR RAO )
(a)to(d): No such talks have been held. However, having welcomed the move towards peace made by a Senior HM (Hizbul Muzahidin) leader during a press conference on 24 July, 2000 and having taken cognizance of the support extended to the peace initiative by the people of J&K, as also recognising the need for restoration of peace in J&K, the Government would like the HM leadership to come overground and establish contact with the Union Home Secretary to discuss modalities necessary for initiating a dialogue and preparing grounds for restoration of peace. The Government would like to invite all militant groups and political leaders to come forward to restore peace and normalcy in the State of J&K.