No meaningful dialogue possible in J&K unless violence stops: SC

The Supreme Court has observed that no meaningful dialogue is possible in Jammu and Kashmir unless violence stops in the strife-torn Valley.A bench of Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud observed this while hearing the appeal of the Bar Association Executive Member against the 22nd September, last year, order of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. 

The High Court had rejected the bar body's plea seeking a ban on use of pellet guns on the ground that the Centre had already set up a Committee of Experts through its memorandum for exploring alternatives to pellet guns.

The apex court fixed the plea for final hearing on



4th October.

The bar association was insisting that there should be a unilateral declaration of cease-fire, withdrawal of security forces, revocation of AFSPA and stoppage of using pellet guns.

It said, the Bar should help in finding a solution. The bench also asked the Bar body at Srinagar to come up with suggestions to resolve the crisis, including stone- pelting and violent street protests in the Kashmir Valley. 

Earlier, the government had ruled out talks with separatist elements. The centre had said that a dialogue to restore normalcy was possible only with the legally recognised stakeholders.