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Govt still to decide on ceasefire extension: Fernandes

With barely four days for unilateral ceasefire announced by government to come to an end, Defence Minister George Fernandes Monday said the government will consider its extension at the "right time".

Admitting that there was heightened violence in the state after the announcement of ceasefire, Fernandes, who was visiting the Republic Day National Cadet Corps camp in New Delhi, said, "The issue of extension of ceasefire will be considered at the right time after indepth analysis of the situation."

However, the defence minister said there was considerable reduction in shelling from across the border during this period.

On the ocassion, Fernandes also presented Raksha Mantri Padak to Major Ram Kumar Singh for act of courage while saving a child attacked by a mad horse in Agra.

During his interaction with the cadets, Fernandes said NCC is responsible for generating national integration among the younger generation. "About 30,000 cadets were involved in the reconstruction work during the Orissa cyclone where they were trusted more for the distribution of relief materials," he added.

"Participation of 333 cadets from the north eastern states at a camp in Maharastra shows eagerness of young people to be a part of NCC," said the minister.

He visited the flag area and the motivation hall in the camp. He also visited the blood donation tent where 200 cadets donated blood.

Complete coverage of the J&K ceasefire

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