'Centre must appoint academicians as interlocutors in J&K'

The Central government must appoint academicians and outstanding personalities without political affiliation as "interlocutors" to start dialogue process with different groups in Jammu and Kashmir, a Muslim group said today.

Such interlocutors would be able to find the aspirations of different ethnic, religion and regional groups of the state which would enable them to prepare a fair report to help the Central government to resolve Kashmir crisis, chairman of Anjuman Minhge Rasool (AMR) Maulana Syed Athar Dehlavi told reporters in Jammu.

In reply to a question, he said army was playing a commendable role in defending the borders but Armed Forces Special Powers Act and Disturbed Areas Act needs to be reviewed in the state to avoid violation of human rights.

Dehlavi said the Centre and state government should also start negotiations with separatist and militant groups.

He asked leaders from National Conference (NC) and Sangh Parivar not to make provocative statements in the interest of peace and stability in the state and the country.

On Babri Masjid issue, Dehlavi said he favoured talks with the stake-holders without inclusion of RSS and VHP to arrive at an amicable solution outside the court.

However, any party can approach to the higher court to seek justice, he added.