Not only national, but J-K parties should also be involved: NPP

Hailing the Centre's decision to send an all-party delegation led by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to Srinagar on September 4, National Panthers Party (NPP) leader Harsh Dev Singh on Tuesday said not only the national political parties, but state-level parties of Jammu and Kashmir should also be involved in the process as they could give a genuine feedback relating to the affairs of the state.

"It's good that the Government of India is gradually realising the gravity of situation in Kashmir and an all-party delegation led by Rajnath Singh is visiting Kashmir. We hope that all political parties will be involved in the delegation," he told ANI.

"Not only the national political parties, but state level parties of Jammu and Kashmir would also be involved in the process, because these are the parties which can give a genuine feedback relating to the affairs of the state as they are having the first-hand knowledge of the prevailing situation here in Kashmir. So, they should be involved," said Harsh Dev Singh, adding that though it's late, they welcome it.

Singh had on Sunday held a meeting with BJP president Amit Shah, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh to discuss the modalities for the visit of the all-party delegation. The meeting discussed possible individuals and groups with whom the delegation may interact.

The government has also sounded out different political parties to convey the names of their representatives, who will be part of the delegation.

In the meantime, the authorities on Monday lifted curfew in the Valley after 51 days, except south Kashmir's Pulwama town and in areas under Maharaj Gunj and Nowhatta police stations in old Srinagar city, however, shutdown and restrictions continued for 52nd consecutive day.

No major untoward incident was reported from any part of the Valley so far.