He expressed the hope that the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) across the LoC that had already been initiated and others that had been suggested by the M K Rasgotra working group would promote “free flow of ideas, people and goods”.

Suggestions made by the four working groups

• CBMs across segments of society
(headed by NCM Chairperson Mohammed Hamid Ansari)

Rehabilitate orphans of slain militants. Provide relief to victims of militancy with an order of priority for assistance. Rehabilitate persons who have given up militancy. Review and revoke laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, maintain law and order through normal laws to the extent possible. Curb human rights violations and recognise rights of Kashmiri Pandits migrants to return to their place of original residence. Facilitate return of youth from across the LoC.

• Strengthening relations across the LoC
(headed by former Foreign Secretary M K Rasgotra)

Relax eligibility for travel across the LoC, do not restrict this to relatives only but include pilgrims, those who need medical aid and tourists traveling in groups. Open new routes like Jammu-Sialkote, Turtuk-Khapulu, Chhamb-Jorian to Mirpur, Gurez-Astroor-Gilgit. Promote trade and commerce by creating a Joint Consultative Machinery. Expand people to people contact.

• Economic development of Jammu and Kashmir
(headed by former RBI Governor C Rangarajan)

Have sub-plans within the state plan to reconstruct and maintain existing physical assets. Augment capacity of power sector and improve road connectivity. Implement National Rural Health Mission. Ensure balanced regional development of the Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions by judicious use of resources. Prepare a tourism vision document to exploit the state’s rich cultural heritage.

... contd.