Truce bold step: President
Hopes for end to hostilities
NEW DELHI, Jan 25 — President K.R. Narayanan today described the declaration of unilateral ceasefire in the strife-torn state of Jammu and Kashmir as a “bold and imaginative” measure, which had attracted the attention of the world. 

Defence personnel install an anti-aircraft gun as part of the security arrangement for the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi on Thursday. 
— Reuters photo

USA tells ultras to stop violence
Asks Pakistan to use influence
WASHINGTON, Jan 25 — The USA today asked militants to “halt violence” in Jammu and Kashmir and the Pakistan government to “use its influence” on them in this regard to enhance the peace process initiated by India.

Edit page: A ceasefire balancesheet
Peace process lacks a sense of direction
By Hari Jai Singh
HOW effective and rewarding has been the ceasefire in militancy-infested Jammu and Kashmir which Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee was gracious enough to announce on November 23, 2000, on the eve of the holy month of Ramzan? This has subsequently been extended beyond January 26. 

Rajmata dead
NEW DELHI, Jan 25 — Senior BJP leader Vijayaraje Scindia, also called Rajmata, who was battling for life in a hospital here, died in the early hours today. The 82-year-old leader, suffering from meningitis, was on life support system for the past few days. Her family was at her bedside when the end came at 3.20 a.m. at the Apollo Hospital, where she was admitted on January 2.

Hindujas deny bribing Mandelson
NEW DELHI, Jan 25 — The Hinduja brothers today denied having “bribed” senior Labour Party MP in securing British citizenship. Talking to newspersons outside the CBI headquarters, S P Hinduja said he did not seek political favours for British citizenship.

• World page: Reid to succeed Mandelson

JMM case: notices to CBI, Bhajan
NEW DELHI, Jan 25 —The high court today issued notices to the CBI and nine accused in the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha bribery case who were recently acquitted by Additional Sessions Judge Ajit Bharihoke on the basis of the benefit of the doubt.

Aulakh PAU VC
CHANDIGARH, Jan 25 — Dr Kirpal Singh Aulakh has been appointed Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, with effect from April 1. This unanimous decision was taken by PAU’s Board of Management at a meeting here today.