India to talk to Kashmiri groups

Daily Times Monitor

NEW DELHI: The government has decided to commence political-level dialogue with several groups in Jammu and Kashmir, picking up the threads from where its special representative NN Vohra left off, Press Trust of India reported on Wednesday.

It quoted officials as saying that a meeting chaired by Home Minister Shivraj Patil took the decision. NN Vohra was also among the meetings attendants, it reported.

“The meeting decided that Patil will talk on behalf of the government and a time-table will be worked out for such a purpose,” it quoted the officials as saying.

Groups with whom the dialogue would be held included mainstream political parties and social groups representing several communities, it said, adding that separatist groups would also be welcome to the talks. “The significant issues, which emerged during discussions between Kashmiris and NN Vohra, will be taken up in the proposed second round of dialogue that will now be at the political level,” PTI quoted officials as saying.

With regard to the Hurriyat Conference, officials told PTI that the ball was in their court as the government had already extended an invitation to them for talks. Prior to Wednesday’s meeting, the government’s coordination group headed by NN Vohra met in New Delhi and discussed all issues relating to Kashmir, including the prevailing situation there, PTI reported.


US soldier on trial for killing Iraqi

FORT HOOD: Defence lawyers for a US Army sergeant accused of killing an Iraqi civilian by having subordinates push him off a bridge into the Tigris River argued on Tuesday there was no body, no death and no crime.

Sgt 1st Class Tracy Perkins faces up to 29 years of confinement on charges of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, conspiracy and obstruction of justice.

Witnesses called by the prosecution said they heard Perkins say over the radio, “Somebody is going to get wet, tonight.” reuters

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