Four former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, four former deputy chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, and other mainstream politicians from the region.
Prime Minister of India, Union Minister of Home Affairs, National Security Advisor of India and the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir
Various reasons had been cited by the media for holding the meeting, from back-channel talks to changing geo-politics, to speculation on the topics which would be discussed ranging from further bifurcation, administrative issues to the need to chalk out an outline for the next few months.[4][5] Officially there was no pre-decided agenda for the meeting.[3]
Proceedings
Topics discussed included strengthening the democratic processes of the region, release of political prisoners, delimitation, assembly elections and restoration of statehood.[1][6] Everyone got a chance to speak.[7] There was no "grand announcements" following the meeting.[5] Article 370 did not take up too much time of the meeting, with general agreement that the decision of the Supreme Court would be waited for.[5] Commentators noted that all the attendees said that the meeting was in a "cordial" and "friendly atmosphere".[5][7][4]
Peace building and furtherance of narratives by consensus seem to have been the purpose of the meeting without agenda... With the UT administration making strident efforts at enhancing the efficiency of governance and reducing corruption along with a genuine outreach to the citizens, fresh hopes of a better future seemed to develop in the people, although alienation was by no means overcome. Many became fence sitters and those actively involved in street agitation took a back seat since the security forces ensured effective clampdown and the separatist leaders were all detained [...]
Although one was keenly looking out for political statements after the three-hour talks, it is only prudent not to expect any outcomes from what should be the first of many such meetings... Hopefully this will just be the beginning of more consultation and opinion-sharing, both dire needs.
All attendees agreed that it was a cordial meeting and each participant spoke his or her mind. [...] Beyond the atmospherics, there appears to have been little to welcome. [...] Much depends on whether the Modi administration treats this meeting as an initial discussion to be followed by a series of meetings negotiating the issues raised at it...
There was also general criticism against the meeting.[9][10]
