Kashmir-bound all-party delegation free to meet anyone, including separatists: Source

The Central government today briefed the members of an all-party delegation going to Jammu and Kashmir about the contours of the two-day visit during which they will hold talks with a cross-section of people.

The interactive session to brief MPs was held to make them aware of the prevailing situation in the state.

Sources said during the preparatory meeting, the delegation comprises of nearly 30 Members of Parliament was given presentation by top officials of the Home Ministry. Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar, Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh and other officials were also present at the meeting.

The prevailing ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir, positions and views of different stake holders, individuals and groups were conveyed to the parliamentarians, an official said.

The exercise was undertaken to ensure that all MPs speak in tandem and there is consensus among the lawmakers while speaking to a cross-section of people, aiming to bring peace in the state, sources said.

The meeting is expected to take note about possible individuals and groups with whom the delegation may interact during its two-day tour beginning tomorrow.

The source, PTI reported, said the members of the delegation are free to meet anyone, including separatists.

However, Home Minister Rajnath Singh or any other Central minister will meet only those who are ready to resolve all issues within the framework of the Constitution. The delegation will interact with individuals and groups aiming to bring peace in the Valley, which has been facing unrest following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani on July 8.

Apart from the Home Minister and Jitendra Singh, those who will be part of the all-party delegation include Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, his Lok Sabha colleague Mallikarjun Kharge, senior Congress leader Ambika Soni, Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan (LJP), JD-U leader Sharad Yadav, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury and CPI leader D Raja.

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NCP's Tariq Anwar and Trinamool Congress' Saugata Roy, Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut and Anandrao Adsul, TDP's Thota Narasimham, Shiromani Akali Dal's Prem Singh Chandumajra, BJD's Dilip Tirkey, AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi, AIUDF's Badaruddin Ajmal and Muslim League's E Ahamed will be party of the delegation.

TRS' Jitendra Reddy, N K Premchandran (RSP), P Venugopal (AIADMK), Tiruchi Siva (DMK), Y B Subba (YSR-Cong), Jaiprakash Yadav (RJD), Dharamveer Gandhi (AAP) and Dushyant Chautala (RLD) are also in the team.

BSP and Samajwadi Party have extended their support but have not been able to nominate any of their members.

Separatists to boycott all-party delegation

Meanwhile, authorities have imposed curfew the separatist protest shutdown continued for the 57th consecutive day in the Valley on Saturday.

Police said curfew has been imposed in Baramulla, Sopore and Badgam towns in addition to areas falling under Nowhatta and MR Gunj in Srinagar city.

Heavy deployments of security forces and restrictions were in place in the rest of the Valley.

Senior separatist leader, Syed Ali Geelani has asked civilians and trade and business organisations not to meet the all party delegation arriving here on Sunday headed by Rajnath Singh.

Trade and business organisations including Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) have announced they would not meet the delegation unless the members engage in a dialogue with the separatist leaders.

Despite the state government's best efforts, all educational institutions have remained closed since the ongoing unrest started on July 9.

Public transport, main markets and other businesses have also suspended.

Clashes occurred between the security forces at 35 places on Friday in which over 100 people including civilians and security men were injured.

With PTI Inputs