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Only give-and-take formula can resolve Amarnath row: Centre
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August 22, 2008 19:20 IST

As Jammu and Kashmir [Images] continues to be on the boil over the Amarnath land row, Home Minister Shivraj Patil [Images] has said the government was seeking a give and take formula that would satisfy both the regions of the state.

He said the crisis related to "emotions" and expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved in a "very short time".

"When matters are related to the emotions of the people, we should try to solve them as quickly as possible. I think we will be able to solve this matter in a very short time," he said in an interview.

When emphasised by the interviewer that the issue has to be resolved somehow and "there has to be some give and take", the minister said "that is exactly what we are trying to do. And we would like to accept a formula which is acceptable to both, people living in Jammu and the people in Kashmir."

Asked whether he did not feel that the Centre and the state government had failed to anticipate events, he said he would not make "a judgement" and "it is for the people to judge."

When pointed out that Pakistani flags were hoisted in Kashmir and people were attacking each other, he said "It's in the emotions. It is in the philosophy that some people adopt."

The Home Minister, however, refused to blame Pakistan for the happenings in the state.

"It is nothing but blame game... You are all the time asking me to blame this man or that man," Patil said when asked if he thinks Pakistan is responsible for the trouble as there is a feeling that somebody from across the border is encouraging the protests.

Asked whether hoisting of Pakistani flag in Kashmir should not be condemned, he replied: "By condemning, you get the pleasure of abusing somebody, but you don't solve the problem."

About the letter written by Leader of Opposition L K Advani [Images] suggesting "some way out", he said the government will examine it and discuss the matter with him.

Advani had suggested that the Jammu and Kashmir High Court order should be implemented and controversial land should be handed over to Amarnath Shrine Board temporarily for conduct of the annual pilgrimage.

It was pointed out to Patil that there was a perception that he was the "villain of the whole show" to which he replied: "I do not know who says so... Not everybody (says so). If you are saying this thing, I can't help it."


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