SRINAGAR, Oct. 5 -- Restoration of statehood, governance under the Union Territory framework, political representation, youth aspirations and the future direction of Jammu and Kashmir dominated discussions at the fifth Halla Bolle conclave here on Sunday, with leaders from across the political spectrum presenting sharply different visions for the region's future.

The conclave brought together National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, Congress leader and MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir, BJP leader and former J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina, National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, former Union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar and former separatist leader Bilal Ahmad Lone.

The restoration of statehood emerged as the...