Jammu and Kashmir: If you keep throwing stones, then what kind of talk will happen, says SC
The government today ruled out talks with separatist elements or those raising the issues of “accession or Azadi” in the Kashmir Valley, telling the Supreme Court that a dialogue to restore normalcy was possible only with the legally recognised stakeholders.
The apex court also was in agreement with the view of Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi and said “all those whom the law does not prevent, can meet and come out with suggestions, as the situation is not very palpable”.
The court’s observation came as Rohatgi said “the government would come to the negotiation table only if the legally recognised stakeholders participate in the dialogue and not with the separatist elements who rake up the issue of accession or Azadi in Kashmir.”
The top court asked the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Srinagar, to come up with suggestions to resolve the crisis, including the stone-pelting and violent street protests in the Kashmir Valley.
It told the bar, which has sought ban on use of pellet guns to quell the agitating mob, to take “first steps” of bringing all stakeholders on the table for workable suggestions to overcome the crisis.
The apex court also took exception to the stand of the bar that it cannot …read more
