Kashmir dialogue: Priority is to restore peace in Kashmir, says ex-IB chief

New Delhi: Former Intelligence Bureau (IB) director Dineshwar Sharma, who the Centre appointed as its representative for a "sustained dialogue" in Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday said his priority would be to restore peace in the state and find a permanent solution to the problem.

"It's a big responsibility. I hope I live up to the expectations," Dineshwar Sharma told ANI.

"The priority is to restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir and find a permanent solution. The rank does not matter as the Government of India has given me a very big responsibility. Nothing can be better than the improvement of situation in the state," Sharma told ANI.

He added that he would go to Kashmir in eight-to-ten days.

"Firstly, I would assess here, how things can be taken forward. I hope I will be able live up to the trust the Indian Government has showed and will be able to fulfill expectations of the public," Sharma said.

Earlier Monday, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the Centre has decided to start a sustained dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir and added that Sharma would be the representative from the Government of India.

"The government has decided to start a sustained dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir. Former IB director Dineshwar Sharma will be Government of India's representative. Rank of Dineshwar Sharma will be equivalent to that of a Cabinet Secretary," the Home Minister said while addressing a press conference here.

He added that Sharma would initiate the dialogue with the elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir, political parties, different organisations and public, as the interlocutor.

The Home Minister said that as the government's representative, Sharma would initiate the sustained interaction and dialogue to understand legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.