Cracks in the 14-day-old agitation by a section of Air India pilots resurfaced today with the airline management claiming that two more of the agitating pilots have returned to work. An Air India spokesperson said in Mumbai with this the total number of striking pilots resuming work has gone to five.

Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh has already appealed to the agitating pilots to return to work, promising that their demands would be considered within three months and assured them that the government would not be vindictive.

Mr. Ajit Singh is likely to meet leaders of 13 recognised Air India unions later this evening. The meeting will be attended by representatives of the Indian Commercial Pilots Association, cabin crew, ground handlers and other employees.

The Indian Pilots Guild, which has been derecognised by Air India, has not been invited for meeting.The national carrier is operating only seven West-bound flights, instead of normal schedule of 16 daily flights.