Chidambaram's US visit cancelled

Home Minister P Chidambaram's visit to the US as part of efforts to pile up pressure on Pakistan to act against terrorism emanating from its soil has been cancelled.

Home Minister P Chidambaram's visit to the US as part of efforts to pile up pressure on Pakistan to act against terrorism emanating from its soil has been cancelled.

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"Since the decision was taken (for Chidambaram to go to the US), there have been other developments. Petroleum sector strike for which I have been asked to head a group and there has been the truckers' strike," Chidambaram told reporters here when asked whether his trip to the US has been cancelled.

"The more significant development is that Pakistan has admitted that Mohd Ajmal Amir Kasab is a Pakistani citizen," he said.

The Minister said "balancing everything, it was decided three days ago that I stay back". The Home Minister said that a team of officials was already in the US.

Chidambaram was scheduled to go to Washington this week to share evidence on the involvement of Pakistan-based terrorists in the Mumbai attacks with US authorities . He was to hold discussions with American interlocutors on the dossier prepared by the government containing evidence relating to November 26 terror strikes in Mumbai.