J&K interlocutors may not push for changing Art 370

NEW DELHI: The interlocutors on Jammu & Kashmir are unlikely to recommend splitting the state to meet regional aspirations and won't suggest changes to Article 370 that gives the state certain privileges.

While the interlocutors are expected to address the demand for autonomy voiced by all three regions of Jammu & Kashmir, redrawing the state's border or tinkering with Article 370 is not on the cards as such "solutions" are only likely to inflame differences rather resolving them. Sources said the group will not suggest changes in the constitutional provision and while its report may contain various suggestions, keeping in mind the aspirations of people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, a division is not viable.

However, the 'political solutions' the interlocutors will come out with will not ignore the wishes of people from different regions. The team has already met 600 delegations and heard suggestions ranging from abolition to dilution of Article 370, giving greater autonomy to trifurcation of the state.

The group, comprising journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, academician Radha Kumar and former information commissioner M M Ansari, on Saturday also denied a media report about recommending a return to the pre-1953 status as the way forward in resolving the issue.