Date:29/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/29/stories/2008082956051200.htm

National

Samiti-panel talks likely today

Shujaat Bukhari

Samiti expects positive response

Talks postponed as panel chief was indisposed
Proposed draft had to be approved by both sides

SRINAGAR: The fourth round of talks with the Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti (SAYSS), which is spearheading the agitation in Jammu on the land row, did not materialise on Thursday, as S.S. Belorea, chairman of the Governor’s panel, was indisposed. Talks are likely to resume on Friday.

An official spokesman said that Dr. Belorea, who is also the Adviser to the Governor, was indisposed and could not reach Jammu.

A spokesman for Samiti said that a charter of demands had been submitted to the panel and a positive response was expected.

In the three rounds of talks between the Samiti and the panel, a common ground was carved out to find an amicable solution to the issue.

However, the proposed draft had to be approved by both sides, for which the time was given.

In between, the Samiti withdrew from the talks and demanded the shifting of IGP Jammu zone K Rajendra and SSPs Manohar Singh and S.P. Pani for their “excesses against the people.”

Terror attack

But in view of the security situation following the terror attack near Jammu on Wednesday, they agreed to resume talks.

Besides Dr. Belorea, the panel includes Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University Amitabh Mattoo, Justice (retd.) G.D. Sharma and B.B. Vyas, Principal Secretary to Governor.

The Samiti’s representatives in the talks were Tilak Raj Sharma, Brigadier (retd.) Suchet Singh, Narinder Singh and Pawan Kohli