Newly-appointed interlocutor to take decision on J-K issues: Rajnath

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that decisions regarding issues related to Jammu and Kashmir would be taken by newly- appointed interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma.

"Dineshwar Sharma is appointed as the Government of India's special representative in Jammu and Kashmir, now what has to be done and how, it will be his decision," he told the media.

While Mehbooba Mufti welcomed the appointment, former chief minister and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah said the Centre should also initiate a dialogue with Pakistan also as it is one of the parties to the state.

"Kashmir issue is a political problem. It's not only about talking to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, but they have to talk to Pakistan also as it is one of the parties to the state," Abdullah told ANI.

"I want to ask the Home Minister about what happened to the previous interlocutors. A huge report was produced which was collected by us. I have seen what happened to the previous report. How can I believe that this report will make a difference? Nothing has worked. The demonetisation move did not work. Whatever they say, nothing will change," he added.