J K News Today
Srinagar, October 23
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the talks were progressing with the stakeholders in Kashmir but he would not be able to reveal the details of the same at this stage.
Answering a litany of questions at a press conference on the conclusion of his day-long visit of the summer capital of Srinagar , Home Minister reiterated that the Centre was open to talks with anyone and everyone who would come forward to sit across the table . “ We are open to talks . That was our stand always and it continues to be so,” he said.
Home Minister gave a hint that the “ talks were progressing at some level “, but declined to share details. “ I cannot reveal everything here( at the press conference).”
Rajnath Singh , who during his visit had meetings with two former chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah and reviewed the security situation , observed that the security situation has improved. “ It was evidenced by the huge turn out of the voters in the recently concluded municipal polls.”
When persistently asked about the schedule of the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir where the House is under suspended animation since the imposition of the Governor’s rule on June 20 , Rajnath Singh said,” the Assembly polls will be held whenever those would need to be held.” He was non-committal
In Jammu and Kashmir , the life of the Assembly is six years unlike in other states where the life is for five years . The State did not revoke the amendment enacted during 1976 that extended the life span of the House for six years instead of five .
Home Minister appealed the political groups to join the “ carnival of democracy” and take part in the Panchayat elections and strengthen the grassroots democratic institutions.
