New Delhi, January 15
The Cabinet Committee on Security today decided to give more time to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to crack down on cross-border terrorism and infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir and act on India’s demand for extradition of 20 wanted terrorists and criminals based in Pakistan.

The CCS, which met at the Prime Minister’s residence here, also reviewed the security situation and got a brief on Home Minister L.K.Advani’s recent visit to the USA.

Briefing newspersons after the CCS meeting, the External Affairs Minister, Mr Jaswant Singh, said “in terms of time required for any recognisable or appreciable steps taken by Pakistan, it is only three days since General Musharraf made the announcements. It’s not sufficient time to assess the situation.’’

He said India expected Pakistan to take effective action to curb cross-border terrorism and prevent infiltration in to Jammu and Kashmir. India also expected action against the 20 wanted terrorists and criminals.

On reports that one of the wanted criminals, Dawood Ibrahim, and some others had shifted base from Karachi, Mr Jaswant Singh said India was aware of these reports but it was not overtly concerned about them. “Their being shifted is not our problem. We want their extradition.’’

Mr Advani while briefing the meeting on his recent visit to the USA, said there was broad understanding and appreciation of India’s position on terrorism by the American leadership.

To a question, Mr Jaswant Singh said U S Secretary of State Colin Powell would visit India to discuss the situation as it had evolved on the Afghan front as well as on Indo-Pak relations following General Musharraf’s announcements last Friday.