Rebels ask for probe report as 2 join CM’s camp
Chandigarh, December 31
Punjab Congress dissidents have sought a copy of the report of inquiry conducted by Chief Secretary Jai Singh Gill in Transport Minister Tej Parkash Singh’s case before deciding their next line of action as two of them reaffirmed their faith in the leadership of the Chief Minister.

Intranet probe eyewash: BJP
Editorial: Punjab the victim
Punjab page: Probe ordered by CM meaningless: BJP

3 train coaches torched
Samastipur, December 31
Three coaches of a train were set ablaze by a mob as police opened fire to put down the violence triggered by the removal of a Hindu idol at Ratwara village in Bihar’s Samastipur district today.

Leaders confer on poll front
New Delhi, December 31
Now that it is almost certain that the next Lok Sabha election will be advanced, political activity in the Capital picked up momentum today as exploratory efforts were initiated for the formation of an alternative secular coalition as opposed to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

Petrol, diesel to cost more
New Delhi, December 31
The new year will witness a record high in prices of petrol and diesel as consumers will have to shell out Re 1 to Rs 1.20 more for a litre of the two fuels from midnight today.

15 ULFA militants surrender

FLASHBACK ‘03 — Science and Technology Equipped to launch satellites New Delhi, December 31 Having already achieved self-sufficiency in the fabrication of satellites, India is now nearing full self-reliance in launching capabilities with the new Science and Technology Policy-2003 providing a boost to scientific growth and research.

Jasraj breaks down in mother tongue Fatehabad, December 31 Pandit Jasraj, renowned exponent of Indian classical music and recipient of the Padma Shree award, was overcome with nostalgia, when he visited his native village, Pilimandori, in this district yesterday. Pandit Jasraj prepares to speak to the people of his native village, Pilimandori, near Fatehabad, on Tuesday.