Decision reflects positive move
NEW DELHI, Dec 20 — “Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee is not shooting in the dark.” That is how highly placed sources summed up the unilateral extension of ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir by another month till January 26.

• Ceasefire extension positive step: Qazi

• 63 civilians killed since ceasefire

• Peace talks: Dar to play major role

• J&K page: Bhat welcomes ceasefire extension
  
  
  

With Shimla yet to have its first snowfall this winter the residents of Chandigarh and neighbourhood have a feel of the ice. Yes, these girls in colourful dresses take a sledge ride as the water games park at the Fun City amusement park is converted into a frozen white mattress for ice games. This photograph was taken by Manoj Mahajan on Wednesday evening. 

Quattrochhi held, bailed out
Extradition process to begin
NEW DELHI, Dec 20 — The Central Bureau of Investigation today achieved a major breakthrough in the investigations into the 14-year old Bofors payoffs scandal with the arrest of key accused and Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrochhi by Malaysian authorities in Kuala Lumpur.

SGPC-clergy showdown certain
Clarification sought on Puran Singh
AMRITSAR, Dec 20 — In a strategic move, the four Sikh high priests, who have postponed their meeting indefinitely due to lack of quorum, sought a clarification from Mr Jagdev Singh Talwandi and the SGPC executive on the ‘non-participation’ of Giani Puran Singh in the meeting of Sikh clergy.

Salary of 489 SGPC men withheld
AMRITSAR, Dec 20 — The Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission today withheld payment of salaries to as many as 489 SGPC employees.

The Sikh High Priests hold a meeting at the Sri Akal Takht Secretariat in Amritsar on Wednesday. — Photo by Vishal

Sikh intelligentia wants proper depiction of history
NEW DELHI, Dec 20 — Prominent members of the Sikh community in the capital welcomed the internationally acclaimed Smithsonian Institution’s decision to set up a Sikh heritage museum in Washington.