India has appointed three mediators to lead a dialogue aimed at finding a solution in the restive Indian Kashmir region.
The disputed Himalayan region has been hit by anti-India demonstrations for months that have killed more than 110 people since last June.
Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said Wednesday the new mediators would hold talks with political parties, separatist groups and residents of Kashmir. The peace negotiators consisted of journalist Dilip Padgaonkar, academic Radha Kumar, and government official MM Ansari.
The appointment of the mediator is part of the government's initiative to resolve various local complaints. Authorities have removed several security barriers and relaxed safety restrictions for students and teachers in the context of reopening schools.
Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani brushed off the latest Indian government announcement calling it a futile move.
Kashmir is predominantly Muslim. They fought for independence from Indian rule. (VOA News)
