12 August :The all party delegation which visited Jammu and Srinagar on 9th & 10th August, 2008 had two rounds of discussions here yesterday and today. The issues which emerged during the visit were discussed in detail.
It was felt that all the concerned groups from Jammu as well as the Kashmir Valley should work for restoring peace and normalcy in the sensitive State. To this end, they should desist from adopting the path of agitation. The Government will take steps to engage all the concerned groups from Jammu as well as the Kashmir valley in talks so that the issues could be resolved amicably to the satisfaction of all concerned. Various modalities for this were suggested in the meeting.It was brought out that there is no blockade on the highway linking Srinagar with Jammu and other parts of the country. There is no obstacle in the way of movement of fruits and other items. Therefore, there is no reason for agitation on this issue.
It was also brought out that the Government has been taking steps to facilitate cross-LOC trade. Senior Government officers have already visited the State to see the existing infrastructure there. However a decision in the matter can be taken only through mutual arrangements between India and Pakistan. Any unilateral move in this direction will neither be practical nor wise.
The all party delegation has appealed to all sections of people in Jammu & Kashmir to maintain peace and communal harmony. It has urged the media to exercise utmost caution and care in reporting about the incidents and developments.
It was emphasized that it is of utmost importance that everybody comes together to create an environment for a meaningful dialogue with all concerned and restoration of peace and normalcy.