M A I N   N E W S

‘No decision’ yet to extend truce

MYSORE, Dec 17 (UNI) — Defence Minister George Fernandes today said that the Centre was watching the developments across the border, and no decision had yet been taken on extending the ceasefire in Kashmir after Ramzan.

He told newsmen here that the ceasefire was holding and there was some positive response from the other side (Pakistan). However, extremists were still active in the valley, and they were also posing a threat in Rajasthan, but, the government was alert and taking steps to meet the challenges, he asserted. Mr Fernandes said there was no change in the present foreign policy vis-à-vis Pakistan, and the government was in favour of retaining the nuclear option for now as the security scenario warranted such a decision.

Earlier, when the Centre decided to go nuclear, the NDA partners also endorsed the stand, he informed.

Later, speaking at a felicitation function organised to honour Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Srinivas Prasad, the minister said he had not made any error in judgement by recommending him (Prasad) for induction into the Central ministry. 

‘Pak changing stance to please USA’

ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (PTI) — Pakistani militant outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba has urged Islamabad not to accept Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s offer for talks, saying such a step will deal a serious blow to their activities.

“Pakistan has made mistakes in the past by agreeing to hold talks with India, Lashkar chief Hafeez Muhammed Saeed said.

“It is ridiculous on the part of the Pakistani Government to say that it is exercising maximum restraint along Mr LoC,” he told mediapersons at an Iftar party in Lahore last night.

Alleging that the government was changing its stance on the Kashmir issue to please the USA, he said Islamabad should not succumb to foreign pressure on the question of ‘Jehad’ to get loans.

Saeed said for the USA, the Kashmir issue had little importance and the interest it was taking in it was motivated by its urge to contain Mujahideens.