In his speech on August 15, Mr. Modi had said that problems in the State could be solved “neither by bullet, nor by abuses but by embracing the people.”

Before the Centre’s announcement of his appointment, Mr. Sharma met Mr Modi on Monday afternoon. He met Mr. Singh later in the evening.

Speaking of his recent four-day visit to Kashmir, Mr. Singh said he met 87 delegations. “All of them were clear that the process of dialogue should begin in the Valley,” he said. When reminded about similar initiatives in the past that did not lead to any results, Mr. Singh said, “Please take it from me that whatever we do, we will do with saaf neeyat aur neeti (good intentions and clear policy).”

Asked about the report of the earlier group of interlocutors gathering dust in the Home Ministry, Mr Singh said, “You cannot pre-judge that this initiative will not be successful. Our announcement shows how serious we are about initiating dialogue.” The Minister said the special representative would initiate sustained interactions and dialogue to understand the legitimate aspirations of people, especially the youth, and try to fulfil them, he said.