M A I N   N E W S

Laden survives bid on life

ISLAMABAD, Sept 17 (PTI) — Osama bin Laden, the most wanted Arab dissident, escaped an attempt on his life a few weeks ago when unidentified assailants ambushed his convoy in the southwestern Afghan province of Kandahar, a newspaper reported today.

During the attack, the assailants fired rockets at the convoy, damaging one of the vehicles, but Bin Laden escaped unhurt, The Frontier Post quoted travellers arriving from Kandahar as saying.

They claimed that soon after the attack, Bin Laden was shifted to his hideout by his supporters and guards.

The attackers, whose origin could not be traced, fled after the incident.

Dharma Vira is dead
Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, Sept 17 — Former Governor of Punjab, Karnataka and West Bengal, Dharma Vira, died here on Saturday after prolonged illness, family sources said. He was 93.

He was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on August 29 and was suffering from chronic renal failure and coronary disease.

Recipient of Padma Vibhushan, Dharma Vira, joined the ICS in 1930 and held several prestigious positions in the government.

He was appointed the Lt Governor of Union Territory of Delhi and Governor of Punjab in 1966-67, West Bengal in 1967-69 and Karnataka in 1969-72.

The President, Mr K.R. Narayanan, condoled the death of Dharma Vira saying “I mourn the loss of a personal friend whom I used to look up to and an outstanding individual and pray for the departed soul.”

He was a model public servant, staunchly independent and dedicated to his duties and discharging them without fear or favour, Mr Narayanan said.