NEW DELHI – Former Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Dineshwar Sharma, who has been appointed by the central government as its representative to initiate dialogue and understand the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, will speak to all stakeholders, including the Hurriyat and other separatists.
Speaking exclusively to India Today shortly after his appointment to the crucial post, Dineshwar Sharma said he will hold talks also with the Hurriyat. “The announcement has been made just today. I will start dialogues as soon as possible,” he said.
Dineshwar Sharma, a 1976 batch Kerala cadre IPS officer who retired as IB director on December 31, 2016, said he would visit Jammu and Kashmir in a “week or 10 days” to hold dialogues with the stakeholders.
“Depending upon the response of the stakeholders, I will take the dialogue forward,” Dineshwar Sharma said.
The former IPS officer indicated that he was hopeful of a meaningful dialogue with all the stakeholders of the Kashmir issue. He said he was looking forward to the new assignment.
During his distinguished career, Dineshwar Sharma has served in Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur. He has also served as additional director and special director in the Intelligence Bureau in the Headquarters. He has in-depth understanding of security related matters and considerable knowledge and experience of issues relating to Jammu and Kashmir.
Dinesh Sharma also spoke to the news agency ANI. Here’s what he had to say.