Kashmir becoming normal, says Patil

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today concluded his three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir and said the situation in the state was "becoming normal" and that his visit was a step in that direction.

"One visit cannot solve all the problems. But could help in improving the situation," the minister, who was here on the last leg of his maiden tour of the state, told reporters.

"I do not attach any great importance as such. But I can say the steps are in the right direction. Even when we have to scale a mountain, we have to take steps. These are the steps which will take us to the peak," Patil said when asked how important his visit has been towards improving the situation.

The home minister met the delegations of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, district Congress committee and social and Buddhist organisations who demanded a union territory status and a special economic package for the region.

Asked about the demand for the union territory status for Ladakh, Patil said "this issue can join or break the unity. Whether it can be done or not or how it can be done, we are not in a position to say".

He discussed the security situation and development and welfare projects at a meeting with corps commanders in the region.

Suggestions were made at the meeting to construct a national highway to link Srinagar and Jammu with other parts of the country. Appreciating the developmental works in the region, Azad said the Centre was happy with the utilisation of funds for these projects. "There is no leakage of funds, there is 100 per cent utilisation", he said.