BJP should reconsider its Ekta Yatra programme: Interlocutors

JAMMU, January 19 (TNN): In the backdrop of the Bhartiya Janata Party’s ‘Ekta Rally’ followed by a flag hosting at Lal Chowk on Republic Day, a team of interlocutors on Wednesday said that we are living in a democratic setup and every citizen of India had the right to hoist a national flag anywhere across the country but one should keep in mind the peace and tranquility of the nation.
Dilip Padgaonkar, chief interlocutor, flanked by Ms Radha Kumar and M M Ansari told reporters at a press conference here that the exercise of flag hoisting must take place keeping in view the ongoing dialogue process, which should not be disturbed. “This is what we have conveyed to BJP”, Padgaonkar said, adding, “We don’t dispute anyones right, but at the same time we hope that the exercise will facilitate the return of normalcy”.
The interlocutors, who are on three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir maintained that during their meetings with the people of Jammu and Udhampur they observed that most were politically very mature and were yearning for peace. Commenting on the mixed reactions to the troops’ withdrawal from the Valley, Padgaonkar said, “The dialogue process is in progress and both the Army and the Secretary Home will be on the same side very soon.” Padgaonkar, however, said that during their two-day stay in Jammu certain common features had emerged from the discussions on a political settlement. “Majority people feel that the settlement must treat J&K as a single unit and there should be no bifurcation or trifurcation of the state vis-à-vis the special status of J&K must not be disturbed,” he added.
He said that the peoples’ demand also included that efforts should be made to vest the state’s constituent units with such powers that may be required to address the political, economic, social and cultural aspirations. The chief interlocutor said that the people also want that the country’s internal and external security concerns must be fully factored into the political settlement.