Two blasts in valley kill 9
Bid to blow up NC headquarters
JAMMU, Jan 21 — In escalated violence unleashed by militants in the valley, nine persons, including three security personnel and a woman, were killed in two blasts, while ultras made an abortive bid to blast the headquarters of the ruling National Conference in Jammu this morning.

J&K page: Ultras not in Musharraf’s control

This is what remains of a bus after it ran over a landmine at the village of Tapper in Pattan, 27 km north of Srinagar, on Sunday. — Reuters photo

Sonia to take holy dip today
Authorities say can’t ensure security
LUCKNOW, Jan 21 — Congress President Sonia Gandhi will pay a daylong visit to Maha-kumbh mela in Allahabad tomorrow, even as the mela authorities today expressed their inability to provide adequate security to her.

Bush blocks Clinton’s orders
WASHINGTON, Jan 21 — Moving quickly upon taking office, President George W. Bush issued an order that essentially blocked some of the last-minute executive orders and rules laid down by outgoing President Bill Clinton.

U.S. President George W. Bush dances with his daughter Jenna while the First Lady Laura Bush laughs at the Florida inaugural ball held in Washington, DC, on Saturday night. — Reuters photo

• Edit: The changeover in USA

• World page: Clinton’s farewell gesture to convicts

Samjhauta services to be upgraded
NEW DELHI, Jan 21 — Indian and Pakistani rail officials have decided to upgrade the services in Samjhauta Express by providing sleeper class/economy class coaches in it. Samjhauta Express will continue its biweekly run between India and Pakistan.

Jaswant favours joint security efforts
RIYADH, Jan 21 — India today said New Delhi and Riyadh should work jointly for security of their respective regions and made it clear that its nuclear and missile programme were not aimed at any country.

• Horses for Jaswant

Funeral sparks anti-Pak sentiments BHONDSI (Gurgaon), Jan 21 — Pratibha (11) and Satyender (8) had a promise from their father, Subedar Kailash Singh Chhoker, of 81 Field Regiment posted in the Dabar Sector in Jammu and Kashmir that he would meet them soon. His station leave had been sanctioned. He was returning from Srinagar to Jammu from where he was to proceed on leave.