‘State Govt pressurised Centre to withdraw cease-fire’
Musharraf’s visit will remove mistrust: Mufti

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 27: Terming invitation to General Parveez Musharraf as ‘bold’ and ‘courageous’ step to remove the mis-trust between two neighbouring countries, former Union Home Minister and president of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammed Sayed today hoped that many issues will be sorted during the ‘much awaited’ visit of Pakistani military ruler. PDP chief, however, expressed his strong reservation over withdrawal of six months long unilateral cease-fire. He aired apprehension that this step would take the situation back to square one....more

Pant visiting J&K today

NEW DELHI, May 27: To carry forward peace process in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government’s interlocutor on Kashmir K C Pant will visit Srinagar tomorrow on a six-day tour to the state to assess the ground situation besides holding talks with certain secessionist and other groups. ........more

Proposal to extend Delhi-Lahore bus

NEW DELHI, May 27: As the Governments of India and Pakistan are renewing attempts to "walk the high road" of "reconciliation" in the spirit of the Lahore declaration, moves are afoot to strengthen a symbol of friendship which the two nations had established in 1999.........more

Cycle seat IED, arms recovered
Notorious ISI guide Billa shot dead in Kanachak

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 27: Police last night shot dead a notorious guide of Al Jehad outfit in an encounter in a forward village of Kanachak. Slain guide, hailing from Pakistan, was instrumental in the infiltration of several militant groups from Kanachak sector including the one which had attacked Kanachak police station recently.........more

Special Report
Pak Govt gets ready for new system

From B L Kak

NEW DELHI, May 27: Come July 1, 2001, Pakistan will have an interest-free banking and trade system. The whole world knows that the Islamic Republic of Pakistan continues to be cash-strapped and neck-deep in debt. But nothing can be done to prevent a thing which, to quote Gen Parvez Musharraf, is ordained in the ‘holy book’, the Koran......more

4 militants killed in Valley encounters
Militants disarm 11 guards of NC activist in Kupwara

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, May 27: Even as security forces have eliminated four militants in different operations in Kashmir valley since last evening, militants disarmed Police guards of a National Conference (NC) activist and decamped with seven rifles in Kupwara district.........more

Pak decries Indian refusal to Mushrraf, Hurriyat talks

ISLAMABAD, May 27: Even as it prepares its response to India’s invitation to Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf for talks, Pakistan today said refusal to allow Hurriyat Conference leaders to meet the military ruler during his visit to New Delhi would have "negative impact" on efforts to solve the Kashmir issue. .........more

CWC meet on May 28...

"Continuation of NDA Govt in best interest of country" ....

Preparations for temple construction almost complete: VHP ....

Iran welcomes India’s invitation to Pakistan ......