Indian PM to Visit Jammu, Kashmir

Amid escalating tension along the Indo-Pak border, Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will visit Jammu and Kashmir Tuesday.

During the three-day tour of Indian-controlled Kashmir, Vajpayee is likely to visit some forward areas. He will also address a meeting of the Unified Command in Srinagar on May 23.

Meanwhile, Home Minister L. K. Advani said that the Army has been asked to consult the "War Book," a highly confidential document which contains day-to-day records of previous wars including battle plans and strategies.

The Book is maintained at all regimental headquarters and is referred to only when the Army gets ready for war.

Advani noted that the Merchant Navy has also been brought under the operational command of the Navy, a day after the para-military forces and the Coast Guard were brought under the United Defense Command.

Asked about re-deployment of para-military forces, the home minister said, "They had been brought under the Army command and this is an indication that we are moving in a certain direction."

(Xinhua News Agency May 21, 2002)