SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Thursday said there would be no talks with separatists unless they keep Pakistan aside and stop insisting on involving the neighbouring country in the dialogue process and held security forces partially responsible for seven civilian deaths near an encounter site in south Kashmir's Kulgam district early this week.
"My job is to create peaceful atmosphere in Kashmir to facilitate talks between all stakeholders and the Centre," Malik told reporters on the sidelines of a tourism event at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), here.
Malik said after taking over as Governor he had met just a few politicians.”I have met Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami only so far".
On facilitating talks between the separatists and the Centre, Malik said, "As far as Hurriyat is concerned, they don't even go to the toilet without asking Pakistan. Till they don’t keep Pakistan aside and stop insisting on involving it in dialogue, no talks can be held with them."
On the situation in the Valley, he said violence and militant recruitment had come down in the last few months. "There is also a drop in stone pelting incidents".
"It is not because of me but due to willingness of people to see peace return to Valley," Malik said.
On voter turnout in Urban Local Bodies (ULB) polls in Valley, Governor said, "Despite militant threats and boycott by political parties, 10,000 people came to vote in Srinagar".
He appealed all political parties to participate in forthcoming panchayat elections.
On seven civilian deaths near encounter site at Kulgam on Sunday, Malik said, "It was an unfortunate incident and should not have happened. The killings were an outcome of carelessness shown both by security forces and civilians. The area should have been sanitised by security forces before calling off the encounter.”
Seven civilians were killed and over 40 injured in powerful blast near encounter site at Lawoora, Kulgam on Sunday. Three militants were killed in the encounter with security forces and security men withdrew immediately after killing three militants. When people were trying to douse the fire in a house a powerful blast took place causing death of seven civilians.