New Delhi, June 26: Apparently unhappy over the US decision to give a three billion dollar economic assistance over a five year period to Pakistan of which half would go for defence, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today said, "The feelings of the people of India should also be kept in view." Speaking at a function to mark the 28th anniversary of imposition of emergency in the country in 1975 by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, he said, "It is not only the government but one should consider the feelings of the people of India which should also be kept in view."

He said assistance to countries aiding and abetting cross border terrorism should be considered carefully.

American President George W Bush had on Tuesday said that he would work with Congress on a three billion dollar economic aid package for Pakistan, and announced he would sign a trade and investment framework agreement with Islamabad.
However, Bush had ruled out any immediate sale of F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, making it clear that it will not be a part of the three billion dollar package.

Bureau Report