All-party delegation's purpose stands defeated if they don't have sufficient time: NPP

The National Panthers Party (NPP) on Monday said the exercise of the all-party delegation, which is on a two-day visit to the Valley to hold talks with all the stakeholder on the issue of Kashmir, would be meaningless if it does not have sufficient time to take stock of the situation.

NPP leader Harsh Dev Singh told ANI that the all-party delegation visiting Jammu today would have made a difference if they had more time.

"We feel that the very purpose of their visit stands defeated if they do not have sufficient time to take stock of the situation here in Jammu and various remote areas of the Jammu region. The exercise would be meaningless," he added.

Condemning the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre for not allowing the NPP for talks, Singh said, "The Panthers Party is the only recognised political party of the Jammu region, whose valuable advice could have made a difference. But, ignoring the party from the dialogue process is the handiwork of the BJP. We strongly condemn such an approach of the state government."

During the first day of its visit, the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh-led delegation met about 200 members in about 30 delegations from various sections of society and listened to their point of view to reach at a common solution to the current scenario in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Home Minister chaired the meeting of all-party delegation which was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

During the meeting, a detailed presentation was given by the state government highlighting various issues related to the current scenario in Jammu and Kashmir.

It was emphasized that a clear roadmap needs to be drawn with a focus on the way forward.

It was also stressed upon that the recommendations of Working Groups and Parliamentary delegations need to be considered.

While interacting with the delegation, Mehbooba said that Kashmir is a common issue of national interest and should not be viewed as a political issue.

All the parties agreed to this fact and emphasised that steps need to be taken to restore normalcy and peace in Kashmir at the earliest.

The all-party delegation also met the representatives of various political parties. Various political parties expressed their concern over the injuries to civilians due to the use of pellet guns.

The Union Home Minister said that government is already working on the alternatives to pellet guns such as PAVA shells.

The all-party delegation will visit Jammu tomorrow after meeting different civil society delegations in Srinagar in the morning.