Civil society calls for unconditional dialogue to end conflict

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 15: Civil society members from various parts of Jammu and Kashmir met in Srinagar to deliberate on situation arising out of the conflict and the multiple challenges it imposes on the people from all sections of the state. The dialogue was facilitated by Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation.
The participants recognized the diversity and plurality of the state and the sufferings of all ethnic, religious and regional communities and all genders due to the ongoing conflict and the related violence.
They made an emphatic appeal to India and Pakistan to work towards cessation of all kinds of violence for creating an enabling atmosphere for conducive dialogue and reconciliation.
The group expressed concern over the continuing loss of human lives in cross-border and cross-LoC (Line of Control) firing, landmines, pellet guns and other weapons; as also human rights violations from all sides.
It also expressed concern over the economic impact of such violence that is depriving people of their livelihoods and impacting development and environment of Jammu and Kashmir. They sought immediate halt to use of landmines, pellet guns and all other weapons against civilians, adequate compensation for the victims and redressal of human rights as a major step for creating a conducive atmosphere.
They also called for immediate initiation of unconditional and sustained dialogue between all stake-holders.
The civil society members called for simultaneous intra-state, inter-regional and sub-regional level dialogue. The group said that it was important to protect the existing constitutional guarantees and the state’s geographical entity.
The group emphasized on the need for strengthening legal justice mechanisms to redress the sufferings of all the victims of violence, irrespective of their identity.
The group recognized the common concerns of the people of all communities and regions and identified certain areas of interest on which the civil society must together work.

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