PM pitches against opposition to tour

Stating that these developments were taking place at a time both the countries were in the process for normalisation of relations between them, he observed that a handful of people were indulging in such activities.Vajpayee also made an appeal to youth, political parties and all sections to uphold the dignity of the country and its secular character.

The prime minister said India wanted Pakistan to join it for talks without making Kashmir an issue. "We should realise that India and Pakistanshould live like neighbours," he said.

Vajpayee observed that Dost badal sakte hain lekin padosi nahin (Friends can be changed but not neighbours). Commenting on the Gujarat incidents, Vajpayee said the attacks on minorities were a matter of utmost concern but added that this did not mean that minorities were under threat in the country.

Although the reported incidents in Gujarat (attack on Christians) were causing concern, it should not be construed that minorities were under threat, he said, adding that he would visit Gujarat to see himself what has happened there.

Vajpayee also expressed surprise over the media assessment, saying he noticed distortions in the reports carried by national and local dailies on the Gujarat incidents.

"It will be a serious problem if media is divided," he said. It was also the responsibility of the media to report facts, he said and called for restraint.

Vajpayee said laxity in the administration would sometimes create problems and law and order problems wouldalso add up to the situation causing concern.

The state administration should remain alert and take measures to prevent such incidents, he said.

Vajpayee congratulated Abdullah on his selection for the 1998 National Amity Award carrying Rs.one lakh and citation for his efforts to normalise situation in the valley.

RSS not anti-Muslim: Farooq

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today spoke in favour of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), saying that it was not against Muslims, Christians and Buddhists. "There has been a lot of campaign against the RSS ideology and it was projected as anti-minorities," Abdullah said, adding that "however, RSS is not against Muslims, Christians and Buddhists."

Abdullah was speaking at a function after receiving the 1998 national amity award here. He said people were being misguided on the RSS ideology by politicians for their vested interests and asking them to remain away from RSS activists. Abdullah praised Vajpayee for his secular credentials.