Also present were leaders from Congress, Panthers Party, CPM, National Democratic Party, Lok Janshakti Party, Peoples’ Conference, Awami Ithead Party and Janta Dal (United). Akhtar added that those present called for a national initiative for addressing problems confronting the state of Jammu and Kashmir. In the meeting, all parties present showed their concern over the use of pellets as a crowd control measure. Opposition National Conference, however, boycotted the meeting convened and chaired by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. CM Mehbooba Mufti chaired the meeting, attended by ministers including deputy CM Nirmal Singh, leaders from opposition Congress, independent MLAs and leaders of other political parties in the state.

Source: Indian Express July 21, 2016 14:15 UTC