PROBLEMS within the Indian Parliament could hamper a quest by the father of student hostage Paul Wells.

Bob Wells and other members of the Hostages In Kashmir Campaign hoped to meet Indian Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda during their two-week quest for clues, which started today.

But politicians in New Delhi were today due to take part in a ballot which could topple the minority Indian government he leads.

No single party has a majority in Parliament and any coalition will involve compromises in political philosophy. If Mr Gowda loses the vote, he must resign.

If no other political group can form a government, the president will call for elections. Mr Wells will today fly to the Indian capital at the beginning of a two-week quest for clues about Paul, who was kidnapped by militant gunmen in July 1995. Ironically, Mr Wells and other members of the group had been due to meet Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on the day she was deposed during their first visit to the Indian sub-continent.

And the two countries have only recently begun talks on a peaceful solution to the problems in Jammu Kashmir which sparked Paul's capture.

Mr Wells, of Bracken Close, Feniscowles, Blackburn, said: "It would obviously be very disappointing if we were unable to meet H D Deve Gowda.

"The unrest obviously disrupts our plans somewhat."

The Hostages In Kashmir Campaign group hope to meet dignitaries from India, Pakistan, Pakistan-controlled Azad Kashmir and the Indian province of Jammu Kashmir, where Paul and three other Westerners were captured.

One hostage, Norwegian Hans Christian Ostro, was later found beheaded but there has been no firm evidence of the fate of Paul, Middlesbrough man Keith Mangan, German Dirk Hasert or American Donald Hutchings for more than a year.

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