Kashmir unrest: HM Rajnath Singh led all-party delegation holds meeting in Srinagar

An all-party delegation led by Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday held a meeting with several representatives from a cross section of society as part of efforts to bring peace in the Valley. 

"We intend to talk to individuals and groups who want peace and normalcy in Kashmir Valley," Singh said before the departure of delegation comprising 30 members from 20 parties.

Cutting across party lines, leaders said that they were hopeful of finding a solution for restoration of peace in the Valley where violent clashes have claimed 71 lives since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on 8 July.

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Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's incharge for Kahsmir issues, Indresh Kumar on Sunday said that separatists do not represent Kashmiris, as they speak for just 5 per cent of the population. Kumar was speaking to media right before heading to Srinagar as part of the all-party delegation on Kashmir. 

The delegation, led by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir to interact with a cross section of people as part of efforts to bring peace in the Valley. 

It includes senior leaders such as Arun Jaitley, Jitendra Singh, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ram Vilas Paswan, Ambika Soni, Sharad Yadav and Sitaram Yechury, among others. 

Speaking to media in the morning, LJP leader Ramvilas Paswan said, "We are going with an open mind, we can agree on a solution as long as it is within consitutional limits."

Congress leader Gulam Nabi Azad, however, was more skeptical over the possibility of an immidiate decision. "Of course we won't be able to take decisions on the spot but it will be an opportunity for parties and Kashmiri people to interact," Azad said. 

He added, "I hope we will be able to find solutions, our delegation will be beneficial for Kashmir and for the country."

The delegation is expected to meet a cross section of people, individuals and organisations in its efforts to bring peace in Kashmir Valley which has been witnessing unrest after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.

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Here is the full schedule: 

Programme of the All Party Delegation in J&K

September 4, 2016, Sunday

8:45 am: Departure by Special Aircraft for  Srinagar
10:00 am: Arrival at Srinagar
11:00 am: Meeting with CM Mehbooba Mufti at SKICC
11:45 am to 7:30 pm: Meeting with Representatives of Political Parties at SKICC
8:00 pm: Meeting with Governor at Raj Bhawan followed by Dinner

September 5, 2016, Monday

9:00 to 11:30 am: Meeting with Delegations
12:15 pm: Departure for Jammu
1:15 pm: Arrival
2:15-4:15 pm: Meeting with Delegations at Convention Centre
5:00 pm: Depart for New Delhi
6:15 pm: Arrival at New Delhi