Mixed response from PDP on interlocutors' report

"There cannot be a cut and dry solution to Kashmir issue. It has to evolve with actual steps on the ground," PDP chief spokesperson Nayeem Akhter told PTI.

Akhter welcomed some of the recommendations made by the interlocutors, especially those on cross-LoC movement and trade.

"The recommendations to make Article 370, which gives special status to the state, a permanent feature of the constitution and increasing the representation of officers from the state in the civil services are also welcome... These are part of our self-rule document," he said.

"However, the PDP will continue its fight for other demands like the election of the Governor and non-applicability of Article 356 to Jammu and Kashmir," Akhter said.

Article 356 gives authority to impose central rule if there is a failure of the constitutional machinery in any state.

The spokesperson said a good beginning had been made on the cross-LoC movement of people and trade in 2005 and 2008 but there was a need to build on these Confidence Building Measures.

"Concrete steps have to be taken to build on these and other CBMs to move forward towards resolution of Kashmir issue," he said.

Akhter said the Centre also needs to address the trust deficit and credibility crisis "plaguing" the state.