Former Intelligence Bureau director Dineshwar Sharma, who the Centre appointed as its representative for a 'sustained dialogue with all stakeholders' to find a political solution to the Kashmir issue, has said he hopes that he lives up to the expectations.

"It's a big responsibility. I hope I live up to the expectations," Dineshwar Sharma told ANI.

Earlier today, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the Centre has decided to start a sustained dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir and added that Sharma would be the representative from the Government of India.

Meanwhile, former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah has said that Pakistan is also one of the parties to the problems of the state.

"It's a political problem, it's not only talking to people of J&K, Ladakh they have to talk to Pak also," Abdullah said.  -- ANI

IMAGE: Former IB Director Dineshwar Sharma meets Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh after being appointed as Centre's representative in J&K on Monday. Photograph: ANI