Pak Mission playing mischief
NEW DELHI, Jan 22 — Pakistan is up to machinations, once again trying to drive a wedge in the relations between India and Nepal. Information gleaned here alluded to Inter-Services Intelligence operatives in the Pakistan mission in Kathmandu trying to circulate doctored video cassettes of Bollywood heart throb Hrithik Roshan allegedly making disparaging remarks against the Himalayan Kingdom and the Nepalese people. 

Clarify stand, BJP tells Hurriyat
NEW DELHI, Jan 22 — The BJP today asked the All-Party Hurriyat Conference to clarify the agenda of their proposed visit to Pakistan and what would be the subject of discussions with terrorist outfits there.

Hearing in Quattrocchi case put off
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 — A Malaysian court today deferred till February 16, the hearing for extradition of an Italian businessman named in a probe into the Bofors scandal.

• Nation page: CBI gets more time to quiz Hindujas

Indian para-military soldiers make a snowman near the Dal Lake in the heart of Srinagar on Monday. 
— Reuters photo

Indigenous warships join fleet
MUMBAI, Jan 22 — The indigenously designed guided missile destroyer “INS Mumbai’’ and missile corvette “INS Kirch’’ today joined the Indian naval fleet. The warships were concurrently commissioned by Maharashtra Governor Dr P.C. Alexander. INS Mumbai is the third of the “Delhi class’’ of guided missile destroyers built by Mazgaon docks and represents the cutting edge of combatant technology.

Move to release Sikh youths
CHANDIGARH, Jan 22 — The Union Home Ministry in consultation with the Punjab Government is contemplating releasing Sikh youths, including militants, languishing in various jails in the country.

Centre grants 9.7 crore to Punjab
NEW DELHI, Jan 22 — In a bid to fill the critical gaps in physical and social infrastructure in border areas of Punjab, the Centre has allocated Rs 9.70 crore to the state government for the financial year 2000-2001.

Valley cut off, flights cancelled
Snow in Shimla, Chamba, Manali
SRINAGAR, Jan 22 — Breaking a long dry spell, Kashmir and its upper reaches witnessed heavy snow since yesterday. While heavy snow was reported from the upper reaches like Sonmarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam, a thick blanket of snow covered most parts of the valley today.

Pandemonium at CM’s function Kisan sabha leaders detained, let off NAUSHEHRA PANNUAN (Amritsar), Jan 22 — The police had a tough time when activists of the ‘Punjab Kisan Sabha’ started raising slogans against the state government during the speech of Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, here today.