Thursday, April 17, 2003, Chandigarh, India
Updated at 3:00 am (IST)

USA blocks Iraq-Syria pipeline

Washington, April 16 Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said today that US forces had shut down a pipeline used for illegal oil shipments from Iraq to Syria, but he could not assure that oil was not still flowing between those two countries.

A policeman runs after being disarmed by a mob which had been grappling for a loose bag of cash following a bank robbery, which had been stopped in progress by a joint patrol of US Marines with Baghdad police on Wednesday. — Reuters photo

Iran, Russia warn USA Uncertainty over Indo-Iraq contracts Editorial: Uncle Sam growls at Syria

In video: Syria's Ambassador to the US strongly denies US claims that his country was harbouring Iraqi leaders. (28k, 56k)

Punjab to have casinos
New Delhi, April 16
Punjabis no longer will have to take a trip to other states to enjoy casino games, thanks to the initiative taken by the Punjab Government to allow casinos in the state.

CM for Iraq gurdwara repairs
New Delhi, April 16
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said today he would write to American Ambassador to India Robert D. Blackwill for carrying out repairs and reconstruction of the historic gurdwara in Iraq which had “suffered damages’’ in the recent war.

• Pak panel rejects SGPC plea

Cops didn’t listen: old couple
Panic prevails in Bass village
Ropar, April 16
Panic prevailed in Bass village after the police raids yesterday at about 3 am despite assurance by senior police officers. When this correspondent visited the village, people said they were afraid of going to the town, fearing police backlash over yesterday’s protest.

Editorial: Naked aggression Octogenarian couple Raja Ram and Parkasho Devi who were thrashed by cops. — Photo Sushil Sharma

Mukul Joshi back as Industries Secretary
Chandigarh, April 16
Mr Mukul Joshi today joined as Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce. He was involved in an unsavoury controversy involving him and the wife of the Punjab Chief Secretary in January.

Togadia charged with sedition
Judicial remand extended till April 30
Ajmer, April 16
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) General Secretary Pravin Togadia’s bail application was today rejected by a city court, which charged him with waging a war against the state and extended his judicial remand till April 30.

Govt invites truckers for talks today
New Delhi, April 16
As the countrywide truckers’ strike entered the third day today and the prices of essential commodities moved upwards, the government has invited the agitating truckers tomorrow for initiating a dialogue, seeking an early resolution to the problem.

In video: The indefinite nationwide truckers' strike begins to show its effect as prices of essential commodities shoot up. (28k, 56k)