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Centre to set up panel
on J&K autonomy 

What is India News Service, Tuesday, 18 January 2005, 2000 hrs IST


The Centre announced it would set up of a three-member committee to hold talks with political parties in Jammu and Kashmir on the issue of autonomy for which a resolution was passed by the state Assembly during the reign of the National Conference government.

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil announced the setting up of the committee after a 45-minute meeting with National Conference President Omar Abdullah and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah.

\93The National Conference had raised the demand for greater autonomy with me and as well as with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when we visited the state separately,\94 Mr Patil told newspersons after the meeting.

\93The logic is clear and simple that if the Centre can talk to those seeking independence and accession to Pakistan, then why leave the National Conference\92s demand which is within the scope of the Constitution,\94 Mr Patil said, adding that he had spoken to the Prime Minister about the formation of the committee.

\93It can either be a three or a four -member committee,\94 Mr Patil said without giving the name as to who would be heading the committee. 

Home Ministry sources, however, said that Centre\92s interlocutor on Kashmir N. N. Vohra could head the committee.

The Home Minister said though the committee would primarily hold talks with National Conference as this party had raised the demand for the same, it would also seek the opinion of other political parties as well.

The committee would submit its conclusion on the issue to the Home Ministry for further discussions, Mr Patil said.

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