Patil open to meet Hurriyat on J-K visit

Meanwhile, Patil also cancelled his proposed visit to flood-ravaged Assam tomorrow in view of the Cabinet meeting, where major issues concerning his Ministry such as security, situation in J-K and Northeast and border fencing are likely to figure. He said that he has asked his junior minister Sriprakash Jaiswal to make the visit instead.

Patil had earlier cancelled his trips to J-K, scheduled for September 23 due to by-elections in Maharashtra, and then for October 23 to be in the Capital to meet Myanmar head of state, Than Shwe. Shwe is visiting India on October 25 and his meeting with the Home Minister is scheduled for 4 pm the same day. Patil was to return from J-K only on late October 25. 8216;8216;The October 23 visit has been postponed as the Myanmar head is coming and my presence is necessary here,8217;8217; Patil said.

About his proposed visit to J-K, the Home Minister said that he would like to visit J-K and Ladakh, the LoC and the border areas.