PoK deal OK if Pak agrees: Valley fruit-sellers told

FRUITS TO PAK: It makes sound economic sense to sell Indian fruits to Pakistan.

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New Delhi: Fruit growers and local leaders are protesting to cross the line of control but the question is whether Pakistan really wants the fruits.

As Srinagar continues to be on the boil, it is this fruits rotting in the Kashmir Valley that are also taking a hit.

Everybody including the separatists, the PDP members and the fruit growers themselves, want to take the fruit boxes across the border. However, ironically, it seems that it is Pakistan, which is not interested.

Meanwhile, the Home Ministry has put the onus on Islamabad, saying they are waiting for a word from Pakistan.

“We have written to the Pakistani government to allow sending the fruits across the border but they are yet to respond,” says Home Minister Shivraj Patil.

It also makes sound economic sense to sell Indian fruits to Pakistan.

“The border is just a two hour drive away and getting the fruit to the plains takes longer,'' says Shivraj Patil.

Meanwhile, putting the ball in the Pakistani court, the Home Ministry has tried to defuse the separatist game plan. And, given the fire burning in Jammu and Kashmir, it is undoubtedly a well thought out strategy, which the Government should have thought of, a bit earlier.

It is strategy that was lacking at the all-party meeting in New Delhi that ended inconclusively for the second day.

While the Government is groping for answers, South Block has warned Pakistan not to meddle with India.

“These statements constitute clear interference in the internal affairs of an integral part of India,” says MEA Spokesperson Navtej Sarna.

Meanwhile, the way out of the deadlock for the moment is to bring in non-partisan groups to talk to the agitators and make sure that politicians stay away.

Either way, the Government hopes that its problems will end, once the Amarnath yatra gets over on Saturday.