Stakeholders should take benefit of centre's sustained dialogue step: Mehbooba

Welcoming the Centre's decision to initiate the dialogue process, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday called it a "confidence building measure" and appealed to all stakeholders to take the benefit of the opportunity being provided by it.

"Today, I am very happy that something has started here and hopeful that this will build confidence in people (of Jammu and Kashmir). It is a confidence building measure. Its a good start and the necessity of the time. I once again welcome the Home Minister's step.

"This (dialogue) has happened earlier and now started again. The interlocutor is a very good person. I know him very well. He has done very good job in the dialogue process in northeast. I wish there would be no issue in the dialogue process with stakeholders here. There are no conditions from both sides," Mehbooba told a press conference here.

"The stakeholders should take the benefit of the opportunity and contribute in the dialogue process."

Mehbooba's remarks came hours after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh made the announcement of starting a dialogue process in Jammu and Kashmir.

She thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government for taking such a step for Jammu and Kashmir.

"Jammu and Kashmir is in trouble. Many people die here everyday due to violence. The state should come out of violence and there should be good environment here. I am very thankful to government of India and Prime Minister (for starting dialogue process)," Mehbooba said.

She also thanked Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for visiting Jammu and Kashmir several times with the aim of reconciliation, peaceful atmosphere and a dialogue process in the Valley.

--IANS

rak-vsc/bg