Situation in Nashik now normal: Siddiqui

Nashik, Feb 15 (UNI) Maharastra's Minister of State for Labour, Food and Civil Supplies Baba Siddiqui today said the situation in Nashik district has now returned back to normalcy after the widespread violence.

''The situation is under control. But there is a need to do counselling which the police and the district administeration are doing with the help of non-governmental organisations,'' he told reporters after a tour of the district.

The Minister visited various areas in Ambad and Satpur suburbs of the city which were severely affected during the MNS agitation.

Mr Siddiqui also visited the Pimprikar Hospital here where nine persons, injured in the violent incidents, are recuperating. The Minister also visited the home of Ambadas Dharrao, the HAL employee who had died in a stone pelting incident.

He urged the media to exercise restraint and avoid showing the same visuals again and again.

Mr Siddiqui said that the compensation money will be handed over to the next-of-kin of the deceased by District Guardian Minister Chhagan Bhujbal soon. Mr Bhujbal is scheduled to arrive here on a tour of the district today.

Asked about the people who had fled the district in fear, the Minister said every effort will be made to assure these people of safety so that they come back. He, however, sought to downplay the matter by saying that normally these North Indians go back to their native places in March for the Holi festival. This time, because of the agitation, some of them have gone back home a little early, he claimed.

On providing employment to the local populace, a demand over which the violence had broken out, the Minister said an apt decision will be taken after thorough thought and discussion on the issue.

UNI GB MAZ VD BST1519