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PM non-committal on truce extension beyond Jan 26

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Sunday remained non-committal on extending the ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir beyond January 26, accusing 'certain elements in Pakistan' of continuing with terrorist activities in the state.

"So far, the experience of ceasefire is mixed. People have welcomed ceasefire. People want peace but there are certain elements in Pakistan which have developed a vested interest in terrorism. Unfortunately, they are continuing with their violent activities," Vajpayee told a press conference shortly before returning to Delhi after a week-long tour of Indonesia and Vietnam.

Asked whether the ceasefire would be extended further or not, he said a decision on the issue would be taken after he returned to Delhi. The term of the current ceasefire ends on January 26.

"Wait for some more time", he said when asked to spell out what sort of future direction he wanted to give to his policy on Pakistan in the light of Lahore declaration, Kargil conflict and the ceasefire in J and K.

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