Jammu, June 08: The Centre's interlocutor on Jammu and Kashmir N N Vohra arrived here today on a week-long visit to pursue the dialogue process with various sections of the society in his second such trip to the state since his appointment in February. Vohra, who in April held nine-day interactions with a broad spectrum of political and social leaders in Kashmir valley, is visiting Jammu for the first time.

Accompanied by a team of eight officials, the Centre's pointman is scheduled to hold discussions with leaders of BJP, BSP, Panthers' Party, RSS-backed Jammu State Morcha and several other eminent political and social leaders.

Although he has issued no individual invitations, Vohra has emphasised that he was ready to meet anybody wishing to join the dialogue process and would "welcome suggestions, interactions and meetings with all those who wish to share their views".

Before undertaking the visit, he met Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee here on Thursday and is believed to have taken his guidance on his talks here.

Earlier, the former Union home secretary visited Kashmir valley for nine days from April 21 and held discussions with mainstream political and social leaders.

However, the separatists, including the Hurriyat Conference and Shabir Shah's Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party refused to meet him.

After his Jammu visit, Vohra will travel to Leh and Kargil to hold talks with various groups there.

Bureau Report