Dineshwar Sharma to visit J&K on November 6

New Delhi: The centre’s interlocutor for talks on Jammu and Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma, will begin a five-day visit to the state on November 6 to initiate the dialogue process with different stakeholders. Mr Sharma, a former director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) will be in the Valley for three days, besides interacting with Governor N. N. Vohra, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and other representatives in Jammu.

Mr Sharma is likely to interact with different political leaders, business organisations, student unions and other youth in the Valley. During his first visit, he is not expected to initiate any dialogue with the Hurriyat as they have refused to meet him, describing his appointment as a “time buying tactic’’ by the Centre.

However, sources said in the coming days the special representatives will explore “all possibilities to open channels of dialogue’’ with the separatist leaders also.

Jammu and Kashmir’s main political parties like the National Conference, have already stated that centre should send Mr Sharma with a very open mind to look into all aspects, including greater autonomy for the state, to ensure that peace returns to the Valley. Mr Sharma has already expressed his desire to rope in students and youth in the dialogue process so that they are not influenced by any “false propaganda.’’

Home Ministry sources said the interlocutor was open to meeting any delegation, which wants to help resolve the ongoing problems in the Valley within the constitutional framework.