Monday, September 30, 2002, Chandigarh, India
Updated at 3:00 am (IST)

STF back in barracks
EC bows to pressure from Opposition parties
Srinagar, September 29
In a significant move, the Election Commission of India has decided to temporarily restrict the functioning of the Special Operations Group and Special Task Force of the state government. Relenting to the mounting pressure from the opposition parties, which have been alleging that the SOG and STF have been helping the ruling NC during campaigning, the EC directed these forces to remain confined to the respective Police Lines.

Campaigning for phase III ends
Pulwama, September 29
Campaigning for the third phase of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir ended this evening with the Chief Minister-in-waiting, Mr Omar Abdullah, “predicting his party’s victory in view of its achievements during the past six years and its performance in the first two phases.
In video (28k, 56k)

Sports page: Asian Games open amidst dazzling fireworks Hockey: India’s pride at stake India’s team enters Busan stadium at the opening ceremony of the 14th Asian Games on Sunday. Over 10,000 competitors from 44 nations will compete in the 16-day games. — Reuters

5 ultras killed in Bangalore
Plot to assassinate Advani, Joshi
Bangalore, September 29
In a pre-dawn operation, hardcore militant Imam Ali, who plotted to assassinate Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani and Union Human Resource Development Minister M.M. Joshi, and his four aides, including a woman, were shot dead by the police at their hideout here.
In video (28k, 56k)

Skeleton under staircase
Bhucho Mandi (Bathinda), September 29
A man kills his wife, digs a pit in his house and places the body in it. The pit is concealed by making a concrete flooring. Stairs are constructed over the spot to evade the detection of the crime.

Ferry disaster toll may cross 700
Dakar, September 29
At least 350 persons are known dead and about the same number remain missing after a ferry sank off west Africa, including nationals from at least 10 countries, the Prime Minister’s office said.

Ethics, change key to success Ludhiana, September 29 Adherence to ethics, value-based business, achieving excellence and change as key to success in the emerging trend of e-leadership were the issues that were mainly dwelt upon at the 24th annual day function of the Ludhiana Management Association here today. The Ludhiana Management Association (LMA) presented awards for excellence to the Editor of The Tribune, Mr Hari Jaisingh (extreme right), and two noted industrialists — Mr Nirmal Kumar Jain (second from left) and Mr Kanwar Deep Singh (extreme left) — at the 24th Annual Day function of the LMA held in Ludhiana on Sunday. Uttaranchal Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, who gave away the awards, is also in the picture. — A Tribune photograph