Thursday, July 10, 2003, Chandigarh, India
Updated at 3:00 am (IST)

Cong open to pacts with secular parties
Shimla, July 9
Taking another step towards forging alliances for Lok Sabha elections next year Congress president Sonia Gandhi today called upon secular political outfits to join hands with her party to oust the BJP-led NDA government.

  Himachal page:
  Cong charter firm on Sonia’s leadership
  Sonia’s midnight walk surprises securitymen
  Booklet given to Sonia
  Shivir a holiday camp for Cong: Dhumal
  Editorial: Shimla musings

PM calls for culture of dialogue
New Delhi, July 9
In an obvious reference to burning issues confronting the nation, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today stressed the need for a ‘culture of dialogue’ at the national-level to amicably resolve contentious issues.

Best Bakery case: Amnesty for fresh trial
New Delhi, July 9
Expressing concern over the acquittal of the 21 accused in the Best Bakery case, Amnesty International today said the acquittal had “confirmed its worst fears about the lack of government commitment to ensure justice to the victims of communal violence in Gujarat” and demanded a fresh trial of the case.

  Centre’s clean chit to Advani, Joshi in Ayodhya case
  PM won’t quit, BJP tells Singhal

Amarnath pilgrims begin journey
Jammu, July 9
The first batch of 3,061 pilgrims left here early today for the cave shrine of Amarnath amidst tight security. Comprising 2,377 men, 394 women, 59 children and 231 sadhus, the first batch left from the main lodging centre of Maulana Azad Stadium here around 6 am despite a drizzle.

Widespread rain in North
Chandigarh, July 9
Chandigarh and satellite towns of Mohali (Punjab) and Panchkula (Haryana) had heavy rain (33mm in less than two hours) throwing life out of gear.

Nation page Near-normal monsoon this year Heavy showers converted roads into streams with waves lapping against the vehicles in Chandigarh on Wednesday. — Tribune photo Manoj Mahajan

85 pc blood not screened for HIV: survey Amritsar July 9 The Punjab State AIDS Control Society has sought a report about the clandestine activities of certain blood banks and nursing homes from various heads, Department of Transfusion Medicines, would have been collecting blood from ‘regular professional blood donors’ like rickshaw pullers, the unemployed and drug addicts.