'Nationalist parties will continue to boycott J&K interlocutors'

Concerned about the statements of the interlocutors appointed by Centre on Jammu and Kashmir, leaders of different political parties today said that they would continue to boycott them till the three-member team does not change their mindset.

The statements of the interlocutors terming Kashmir as "dispute", advocating amendment in the constitution and asking Kashmiri youth to prepare a roadmap for "Azadi" speaks itself that they have prepared the agenda for resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue, the vice-president of state Vichar Manch RL Bhat said here at a function.

They seem to be pursuing the agenda of Kashmiri separatists, which will not be tolerated by the nationalist forces in the state, he said.

"Hence the nationalist forces in Jammu will continue to boycott them unless they change their mindset", he said adding, we have also to work in unison against the forces which are working against the interest of the nation.

The member of BJP National Executive and former Pradesh party president Nirmal Singh said how could we take interlocutors seriously when we do not know what is their mandate or terms of reference.

He said that BJP had taken decision to boycott them during their tour to the state in view of their provocative statements, which had implications against the national interest.

Favouring united action by different parties and groups in Jammu and Ladakh, Singh said, "Our pressure should be on those who talk against national interest".

Time has come when we should not only react but act unitedly for our own survival in the state, BJP leader said.

The Convenor of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Forum Ramesh Sabarwal said that the approach and the mindset of interlocutors was creating more confusion in the state and this had a direct bearing on all sections of people as well as regions of the state.

"It is also a challenge to the nationalists to prevent anti-national elements and instigators, whether they be in nation or outside it from playing with the national interest and we will not allow any anti-national agenda to be promoted on the Indian soil," Sabarwal said.