Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh today asked separatists in Kashmir to come forward for a dialogue with the Centre's special representative, saying it was a 'golden opportunity' and they need to 'shed the fear of Pakistani guns'.

Three days ago, the Centre appointed former Intelligence Bureau chief Dineshwar Sharma as its special representative for a 'sustained dialogue' with all stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir, in a fresh move aimed at bringing peace to the troubled state.

"This is a big moment and you (separatists) have to be courageous. You have to shed the fear of Pakistani guns and come forward and put forth your view point before the special representative," Singh said addressing a function organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party in Jammu.

"They (separatists) have lost an opportunity in the past when they shut their doors to parliamentary delegation (last year). The time has given them another opportunity, a golden opportunity and they need to grab this for restoration of peace in the state," he added.  -- PTI