Centre-appointed J&K interlocutors draw flak from BJP

The state unit of BJP today criticised the centre-appointed interlocutors for their "biased approach" to the Kashmir issue, saying the panel had gone beyond its role in making certain statements on the matter.
   
"The party takes strong exception to the manner in which the team of interlocutors conducted itself in Jammu during its fifth visit to the state," BJP state chief spokesperson and national executive member Jitendra Singh told reporters.
   
The team had clearly exceeded its brief in making certain observations and statements during press conferences, which betray their biased approach and undue indulgence with the state administration in seeking assurance from chief minister
for implementation of their recommendations, he alleged.
   
Singh said the centre must first clarify whether the interlocutors had already submitted some kind of report to it without the knowledge of Opposition parties.
   
He also questioned the constitutional propriety of the chief minister for briefing the interlocutors about the measures initiated by him to implement the recommendations made in the report.
   
"Does this mean that the Home Ministry is clandestinely in connivance with the state administration in implementing a secret agenda without taking all shades into confidence?"
   
The party stands for the full and complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India, which includes abrogation of Article 370, the BJP spokesperson said.