Manali (HP): Just back from a visit to the US and UK amidst India's peace initiatives with Pakistan, National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra will arrive in Manali on May 16 to brief Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on his discussions.

Mishra was unable to meet Vajpayee as he returned to Delhi on May 12 night, just hours before he left the capital for Manali valley for his annual summer retreat.

According to PMO officials, Mishra will arrive in Manali around noon and meet Vajpayee immediately thereafter to apprise him of the discussions he had with US President George W Bush, National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage besides leaders of Britain and France during his week-long trip.

Vajpayee, while enjoying his vacation along with his family in a cottage in Prini village, is also keeping a tab on the developments relating to India and Pakistan, particularly the statements and actions emerging from Islamabad regarding New Delhi's peace initiatives.

On his arrival on May 13, he indicated that India was keenly watching Pakistani moves as he told reporters, "We have extended a hand of friendship, let us see what response comes from there (Pakistan)."

Clearing of some "urgent files" is also on the agenda of the Prime Minister.

Morning and evening strolls in the vicinity of the cottage also form part of his engagements. He has also brought a set of books for reading during his stay and is unlikely to travel out of the cottage, especially towards market areas.

Vajpayee, along with his son-in-law Ranjan Bhattacharya, stepped out of the cottage for the first time on May 15 as he visited a local school in Prini village.

Last year, he had directed upgradation of the school from VIII level to standard 10 level and announced Rs 32 lakh for the purpose.

A new building is being constructed at the school with the help of the fund.

According to PMO officials, the trip was not scheduled earlier and was planned in a hurry after Vajpayee expressed the desire late on May 14 night to visit the school to see the progress of upgradation of the school.

Vajpayee's scheduled programmes so far include attending a lunch on May 17 to be hosted by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders of the state and dinner the same day with Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh.

PTI