'All out efforts to defuse tension on quota issue'

New Delhi, May 21 : Concerned over the spate of protests on the issue of reservation, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said all out efforts were being made to defuse the tension and work out an amicable solution to the satisfaction of all.

In an interview to a private channel, Mr Mukherjee, who is heading the GoM on reservation, said a package had been suggested to the government which would take a final decision on the issue.

He said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was concerned over the tension sparked by the quota issue and all out efforts were being made to defuse it.

Asked whether a legislation or an ordinance would be brought in to implement the package, Mr Mukherjee said such a decision would have to be taken by the government.

This would, however, depend upon the exigencies of the situation.

UNI