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Vajpayee asks Thackeray not to sabotage Pak cricket tour

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee categorically stated that he did not approve of the Shiv Sainiks digging up the Ferozshah Kotla ground and the subsequent pat on the back they received from their chief Bal Thackeray.

Vajpayee said he hoped the Sena's aim of registering their protest against Pakistan's terrorist activities have been fulfilled. "I also hope better sense would now prevail and Mr Thackeray would not indulge in sabotaging the cricket tour," he added.

He said the government would ensure the matches occurred without disruption. "It is the duty of the government," the prime minister said.

Vajpayee denied that the venue of the matches was changed from Delhi under pressure from Thackeray. That happened due to the 'change in itinerary," he said.

Meanwhile, Pakistani Minister for Religious Affairs Raja Zafarul Haq has said that the country's cricket team should not undertake the Indian tour under the prevailing conditions.

Raja Zafarul Haq said vested interests would try to exploit the tour and harm the minorities in India.

UNI

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