S P O T L I G H T

George allays fears on Agni-II
PATNA, Jan 18 (PTI) — Defence Minister George Fernandes today sought to allay fears that yesterday’s successful test-firing of Agni-II missile would heighten tension and escalate an arms race in the region. “The hugely successful test-firing of Agni-II will not escalate an arms race in the region because we see it as an effort to acquire a credible minimum deterrent needed for India’s security ....Nobody should be worried about India’s intentions,” Mr Fernandes told reporters at Bihar Regimental Centre at Danapur near here.

Prasada cremated
SHAHJAHANPUR, Jan 18 (UNI) — The last rites of senior Congress leader Jitendra Prasada were performed with full state honours at his native place here this afternoon. His son Jitin Prasada lit the pyre. The mortal remains of Prasada, who died in Delhi on January 16, were brought to the Congress office here last night.

Uttaranchal CM collapses
DEHRA DUN, Jan 18 (PTI) — Uttaranchal Chief Minister Nityanand Swamy today collapsed while replying to the motion of thanks to the Governor’s Address in the state assembly. He collapsed in his seat and was unconscious for two-three minutes before doctors attended on him and he regained consciousness. The Chief Minister was then brought to the lounge and underwent a thorough check-up by a team of doctors. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bhagat Singh Kushiari told reporters that the Chief Minister was “hale and hearty” after the check-up.

Lashkar’s threat
SRINAGAR, Jan 18 (PTI) — Pakistan-based Laskher-e-Toiba has issued a threat to target vital government, Army and security installations across the country if power supply is not restored to the people in the Kashmir valley within five days. Its spokesman Abu Usama telephoned news organisations here to convey the threat, saying if the demand was not fulfilled, activists of the outfit would target installations across India.