JKNPP to boycott all-party delegation

Expressing displeasure over the 30-member all-party delegation meeting being convened in Kashmir instead of Jammu, the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) has said the party would boycott the meeting as they have decided not to visit Kashmir.

"This is just ridiculous, why should JKNPP, a Jammu-based political party, go to Kashmir when the all-party delegation is supposed to visit Jammu. Summoning us to Kashmir and not allowing us to meet the delegation in Jammu is highly unfair, unjust and it is motivated as well, we believe. If we are not called to the meet for the all party delegation on 5th (September), we shall be boycotting because we have decided that we will not be going to Kashmir," JKNPP member Harsh Dev Singh told ANI.

Singh further said the delegation meeting various political parties in Kashmir will not serve the purpose, as they need to prolong their stay and visit different places to assess ground realities in the state.

"We welcome the visit, but we feel that the all-party delegation's visit is very short. They cannot assess the situation in just one day. The delegation ought to have visited different places in Kashmir valley, they needed to go to different districts and to see for themselves the ground situation prevailing in the Kashmir valley and how disturbed the entire valley is," he said.

Singh also supported Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's decision to invite Hurriyat leaders and stated that there should be no restrains in meeting with all party delegation.

"As far as calling different stake holders or different political groups is concerned there shouldn't be any barriers and if Mehbooba Mufti is inviting them, let them have dialogue with the all-party delegation. They are also citizens of India whether they like it or not," he said.

A 30-member all-party delegation is all set to visit the valley for two days, during which they will interact with various political parties and stakeholders.

Parliamentarians will also interact with Governor N.N. Vohra and the Chief Minister.

Chief Minister Mufti yesterday invited Hurriyat leaders for talks with the all-party delegation.

"I write to you in my capacity as the president of the J-K Peoples Democratic Party and request you to take the lead and engage with the All Party Delegation of Parliamentarians visiting the state tomorrow," the invitation said.

The invitation stated that the meet will be the start of a credible and meaningful political dialogue and resolution process to end the stalemate in the Kashmir valley.

The Centre announced a special package of Rs. 200 crore to engage the youth of Jammu and Kashmir in constructive sporting activities.