Thursday, March 24 2005 14:30 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Pakistani authorities have indicated that normalcy would soon return in the trouble-torn Baluchistan and devotees would soon be allowed to go for pilgrimage to Hinglaj temple, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Suresh Pachouri told Rajya Sabha today (Mar 24, 2005).

"We have been told (by Pakistan Government) that very soon normalcy will be restored in Baluchistan, which witnessed clashes between tribals and security forces," Pachouri said.

He was responding to concerns expressed by leader of the Opposition Jaswant Singh during Zero Hour that nearly 25 people were killed in the clashes and the temple was reportedly damaged.

Agreeing with the member that the matter was very serious and also sentimental, Pachouri said there was no conclusive information about the situation there, which was an internal matter of Pakistan.

Information reaching New Delhi suggested that normal life had been affected following clashes between local tribes and security forces, Pachouri said.

Singh said that though it was an internal affair of a neighbouring country, there was genuine concern in Delhi as lot of devotees from India visit the temple and the External Affairs Minister should apprise the members on the issue.