S P O T L I G H T

CCS meeting today
NEW DELHI, Jan 22 (PTI) — The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is meeting tomorrow amidst indications that a decision would be taken on whether it would be worthwhile to extend the two-month-long ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir in view of the continuing killings and lack of response from Pakistan.

Hashish seized
JAISALMER, Jan 22 (UNI) — The Border Security Force today stumbled upon 10 kg of hashish during a search operation close to the border in Barmer. The narcotics, found near a border post, were believed to have been brought by Pakistani smugglers. Sources said their suspicion was aroused by the increasing movement of cattle grazers in the area.

Award for maestro
KOLKATA, Jan 22 (UNI) — Sitar maestro Vilayat Khan has been selected for the Bhuwalka Award-2000 for his outstanding contribution to music. The award, conferred by the Saurabh Academy of Music and Dance on a classical guru every year, has a monetary value of Rs 51,000, the highest in eastern India from a non-government music academy.

Tarar’s plea
ISLAMABAD, Jan 22 (UNI) — Pakistani President Rafiq Tarar today urged India to issue travel documents to “Kashmiri leaders” who intended to visit his country for talks on Kashmir. Speaking to mediapersons, he accused India of delaying the peace process, claiming New Delhi had not responded positively to his country’s efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue. The President also sought international pressure on India in this regard.