Decision unfortunate: NC
SRINAGAR, July 4 — The ruling National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir is “shocked” at the decision of the Union Cabinet which rejected the autonomy resolution “without taking the party into confidence”. The resolution on autonomy was passed by the State legislature after a week-long discussion here last month.

Troops, rebels clash in Fiji
No multi-racial rule: PM
SUVA, July 4 — Shooting broke out today between Fijian troops and nationalist rebels holding deposed ethnic Indian Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry inside Suva’s Parliament building. At least four persons were wounded.

A supporter of Fiji coup leader George Speight is unloaded from an ambulance at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva after suffering gunshot wounds following a shootout between the army and Speight supporters near the Parliamentary complex on Tuesday. — Reuters photo

Trial of Laloo, Rabri begins
PATNA, July 4 — The much-awaited trial against Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Laloo Prasad Yadav accused in the disproportionate assets case began here today with the cross-examination of Finance Manager Manoj Kant Thakur, a witness by CBI Special Judge S.K. Pathak.

Punjab bans transfer of teachers
CHANDIGARH, July 4 — The Punjab Government today banned the transfer of teachers in the state with immediate effect. The authorities concerned said that departmental action would be initiated against those teachers who approached the government for transfer.

Textbook Board Director removed AMRITSAR, July 4 — Dr Joginder Singh Kairon, Director, Punjab State University Textbook Board, has been unceremoniously removed by the state government. Dr Madan Lal Hasija, Director, Language Department, Patiala, has been given dual charge of the board. Dr Hasija has taken over the new assignment with immediate effect.