Union home minister P Chidambaram has cautioned the interlocutors not to give a “ball-by-ball commentary about their dialogue” with various sections of society.
The remarks came a day after Dileep Padgaonkar, one of the three interlocutors, announced on television that some militants may present a peace plan to them on their next visit to the state.
Perhaps Chidambaram’s patience ran out when reports came in that the trio was not working in harmony with each other. All three — Padgaonkar, Ansari and Kumar — are moving in different directions after they failed to evolve a common strategy and methods on the dialogue process.
But even before they could achieve anything, the three started sharing with the media details about their activities. It was clear from day one that Padgaonkar and academician Radha Kumar are not working in harmony.
MM Ansari, a retired information commissioner, had virtually been made redundant. However, the trio put up a brave face when they appeared in a TV show together. Dilip Padgaonkar even gave a detailed account of his talks with separatists groups in jail.
It is no secret that the interlocutors had been appointed at the behest of the prime minister.
Chidambaram did not have much of a role in their selection. While Padgaonkar and Ansari enjoy the confidence of the UPA, Radha Kumar has the added advantage of being close to the prime minister. It is a different matter that controversies seem to follow Kumar, mostly due to her strong views.
Recently, her employment was terminated by Jamia Milia University. After 10 days, she got the interlocutor’s job.
Clearly, the panel had no clue they will be put under Chidambaram, which is probably why they went to TV channels even before briefing Chidambaram.
Finally, Chidambaram flew to the Valley, took stock of the situation and cautioned the interlocutors to “work quietly”.
