'Decision on ceasefire after assessment'

By Our Special Correspondent

AHMEDABAD, FEB. 12 . The Union Home Minister, Mr. L. K. Advani, said here today that India would soon take a ``considered decision'' on whether to further extend the ceasefire offer in Jammu and Kashmir beyond February 26.

Talking to presspersons here, Mr Advani, who was on a two-day visit to some of the earthquake-hit areas in Gujarat, said while India's peace initiatives had been welcomed by the people of Kashmir and appreciated by world opinion, it apparently had not pleased Pakistan and the militants backed by it.

India, he said, would take a decision about further extending the ceasefire after ``right assessment'' of the prevailing situation.

In view of the continued attack by the Pakistan-backed militants on the villages in Kashmir, Mr Advani said the government had been taking initiatives to arm the ``village guards''.

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