With Shopian in focus, Sharma arrives today
TNN Bureau. Updated: 2/22/2018 1:30:29 AM
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JAMMU: Centre's special representative on Kashmir peace dialogue, Dineshwar Sharma is likely to arrive in Valley on his sixth visit to Jammu and Kashmir ever since he was appointed by Union Government to hold Peace dialogue with all the stakeholders in the state.
Sharma is likely to spend all this time in Valley this time in his fresh visit, second in the same month, with special emphasis on meeting the Shopian locals in the aftermath of 3 civilian killings last month.
"Sharma will visit the state on 22 February and spend the night at Shopian, where three civilians were killed last month, as part of the government's efforts to reach out to residents of the district," a senior home ministry official said.
The civilians were killed when an Indian army unit opened fire at stone-pelters in Ganawpora village last month. "It was equally important for the locals to express their side of the story," the official said, adding that the government is keen on meeting locals of the district as well as of the village where the firing took place.
"We have received reports about growing anger in the region over the issue. The special representative's mandate is to conduct a sustained peace dialogue with all stake holders in Jammu and Kashmir and the latest visit is part of the same effort," the home ministry official said.
"Everyone, including the families of those who died during the incident will be welcomed if they decide to meet (Sharma) and discuss the issues at hand," added the official. The visit is likely to be devoid of any media limelight, as the last two visits.
Sharma will also take up other issues during his visit -- including recent cases of Kashmir youth joining fidayeen ranks of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad militant outfits.
Sharma, who was appointed the Centre's interlocutor on October 23 to hold talks with all stakeholders in an effort to find lasting peace, has already initiated a slew of measures, including withdrawal of cases against first-time stone pelters and improving the power situation in the Valley.