J-K unrest: Yashwant team suggests talks with Hurriyat

A Yashwant Sinha-led civil society panel has suggested “improving” the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir and initiating talks with all stakeholders including separatist groups like Hurriyat Conference.

The Concerned Citizen Group (CCG) had made another set of recommendations after their second visit to the Kashmir Valley last month-- that included urgent psychological counselling for minor detainees.

The panel had first visited the Valley in October after which it had recommended an immediate ban on use of pellet guns by security forces.

The Centre has distanced itself from the panel, led by the BJP leader, which also comprises former chief information commissioner Wajahat Habibullah and Programme Director of Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation Sushobbha Barve.

In the fresh set of recommendations compiled after their visit to the Kashmir Valley last month, the panel said there is a need for improving “the human rights situation in Kashmir and encourage more humane attitude by the security forces with the public”.

Nine persons, including five cops, were injured on Monday in clashes between the people belonging to two communities in Kathua district, following which three persons have been arrested.