All-party delegation over Amarnath row meets

New Delhi, Aug 12 : An all-party delegation led by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil met here today to end the Amarnath land transfer row.

After the meeting, National Congress Party (NCP) leaders said that suggestions were made for bringing both the groups in Jammu and the Kashmir valley to the negotiations table to find a solution, which is acceptable to both the sides.

Appealing to both sides to suspend the agitation, they said the first priority should be to bring peace in the valley.

CPI leader D. Raja said the overwhelming view was that the Government must continue the dialogue process and try for a solution that takes care of the interests of both the regions and the people.

The members met yesterday but failed to reach any consensus. After the meeting, Patil said he would apprise Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on the deliberations.

The rightists slammed the Central Government for the ongoing strife in Kashmir.

"Congress and the government are taking wrong decisions under pressure from the separatists. That is why terrorism is spreading in the country," said senior BJP leader Vijay Goel.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) vowed to begin a countrywide blockade if the issue was not resolved in favour of the Hindus. The rightist organization also wanted the State Government to transfer 100 acres of land to the shrine trust.

"We have given a call for a countrywide roadblock day on August 13 for the restoration of autonomous shrine board and restoration of 100 acres of land to the shrine board. The third demand is to sack the governor," VHP leader Ashok Singhal said in Coimbatore.

The BJP and Shiv Sena organised rallies in various parts of the country pledging solidarity to the ongoing agitation in Jammu. The unrest has gripped the region for the past five weeks. Constant shutdowns, highway blockade and curfews in the state have affected the business and normal life in the region.

ANI