NIA probes and my job as an interlocutor are two different issues, says Dineshwar Sharma

Former Intelligence Bureau chief, Dineshwar Sharma on Tuesday said that his role as Kashmir interlocutor will be separate from that of national investigation agency (NIA).

While talking to media here Sharma said, "NIA's probe is totally different. Our talk is a separate issue, they both are two different issues."

Sharma yesterday said his priority would be to restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir and find a permanent solution to incumbent problems.

"The priority is to restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir and find a permanent solution. The rank does not matter as the Government of India has given me a very big responsibility. Nothing can be better than the improvement of situation in the state," Sharma told ANI.

He added that he would go to Kashmir in eight-to-ten days.

"Firstly, I would assess here, how things can be taken forward. I hope I will be able live up to the trust the Indian Government has showed and will be able to fulfill expectations of the public," Sharma said.

The Centre yesterday announced plans to start a dialogue process in Jammu and Kashmir and appointed Sharma as its representative for talks with "all" stakeholders in the state.

"The government has decided to start a sustained dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir. Former IB director Dineshwar Sharma will be Government of India's representative. Rank of Dineshwar Sharma will be equivalent to that of a Cabinet Secretary," Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh told the media.

He added that Sharma would initiate the dialogue with elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir, political parties, different organisations and public.

Singh said that as the government's representative, Sharma would initiate the sustained interaction and dialogue to understand the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.