tribuneindia...Spotlight

			Sunday, May 16, 1999
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Gujarat ministry expanded
GANDHINAGAR, May 15 (PTI) — The 14-month-old BJP ministry led by Keshubhai Patel in Gujarat was expanded today with the induction of 11 more members — nine ministers of state and two deputy ministers — raising its strength to 38. Besides, two ministers of state in the present ministry, Mr Anandi Ben Patel (education) and Mr Kaushik Patel (energy), were elevated to the rank of Cabinet Minister and Deputy Minister Harjivan Bhai Patel was promoted to the rank of minister of state. Gujarat Governor S.S. Bhandari administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new members at a simple ceremony at the town hall here this afternoon.

44 killed in Lanka
COLOMBO, May 15 (PTI) — At least 17 Army personnel and 27 LTTE militants have been killed in renewed fighting in northern part of the island nation after the militants attacked Army columns attempting to open an alternative road from Mannan in northern Jaffana. A Defence Ministry press release said at least 12 security personnel were killed when LTTE mounted heavy attack heavy on Army lines at Priyamadu near North West Mannar Pooneryn road yesterday. However, Army sources said at least five more soldiers were missing.

Bodos protest
GUWAHATI, May 15 (PTI) — Bodoland supporters today burnt copies of the Assam Government notification demarcating Bodo Autonomous Council (BAC) boundary demanding that the BAC accord be scrapped and a separate state carved out of Assam be created immediately. The Bodo organisations — All-Bodo Students Union (ABSU), Bodo Peoples Action Committee (BPAC) and allied groups — made a bonfire of copies of Bodoland Autonomous Council (Amendment) Bill, 1999, here to protest the alleged "insult" meted out to Bodo people by passing the Bill by voice vote on May 13 in the assembly.

12 hurt in clash
GHAZIPUR (UP), May 15 (PTI) — Twelve persons were injured in a group clash over drawing of water from a public hand pump at a place, about 35 km from here today, the police said. Members of two communities indulged in heavy brickbatting following a dispute about drawing water from a public hand pump between two individuals. Two persons have so far been arrested.