'Doors Have Not Been Closed'

In a veiled attack on Hurriyat conference, the centre's interlocutor on KashmirK.C. Pant has said that all those groups who shied away from parleys, will haveto answer the people of Jammu and Kashmir about their "obstructionistattitude" in the peace process.

"In this situation if any group does not want to assist in the peaceprocess, it will have to answer to the people of the state as to whether it isnot being obstructionist in the way of this peace process," Pant told PTIon completion of his maiden visit to the state after he was appointed as theinterlocutor on April 5.

Stating that his mission to the state was to facilitate the evolution of anagreed solution to the Kashmir problem, Pant said "you see whether Hurriyatwant to respond to my invitation or not is a matter for them to decide. I havenot come to score meeting points. My purpose is far more serious. This is aneffort to begin a political dialogue which would help in restoration of peace inthe state."

Pant would be soon meeting prime minister Vajpayee to apprise him of theoutcome of his visit to the state and the talks he held with various groups.

Some of the groups including the state unit of communist party of India hadsuggested that a general amnesty should be announced for Kashmiri militants, whowant to shun violence.

"I will have to analyse all the suggestions that have been made to meand then discuss it with the concerned people in the government," he said.

Pant did not offer any reply to a question whether the issue of grantingamnesty would be considered soon and said "I do not want to comment onindividual suggestions made by certain groups."

Terming his visit as "fruitful and useful one", Pant said "ithas been a useful visit. It has been for me a necessary visit because I came tounderstand very much the difficulties and concern as well the perception andaspirations of people living in different parts of the state.

Pant also said " have met a very large number of groups and individualsand have benefitted from this interaction. I think it is a process which needsto be continued and I propose to continue it.

"It is my distinct impression that there is a very strong urge for peacein Kashmir valley as well as other parts of the state," he said.

He said this urge for peace amongst the people was today creating conditionsin which persons from various schools of thoughts, different views had comeforward and "frankly put their views before me."

Asked whether the government was intending to hold talks with Kashmirmilitant groups like Hizbul Mujahideen, Pant said "the centre has made itclear that doors have not been closed for talks with Kashmiri militants who aredesirous of peace and that holds even now."