Second thoughts on J&K daughters’ Bill
Public outcry forces Congress to backtrack
Jammu, March 8
Second thoughts have developed on the controversial Kashmir Bill which sought to deny property rights to girls marrying outsiders. Concerned at widespread public outcry and the impact it can have on the coming elections, the Congress High Command has told the Mufti government to refer the Bill to a select committee of the state Legislature. The Mufti government is yet to take a decision on the Congress move, but has promised to remove the gender bias.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor to study implications of Bill on daughters

Editorial: Daughters’ rights sacred Women demonstrate against the Jammu and Kashmir daughters’ Bill in Jammu on Monday. — PTI photo

Tarna Dal chief Poohla held
SHO frees him on bail Poohla (Tarn Taran), March 8 Head of Nihangs’ Tarna Dal Ajit Singh Poohla, who could not be arrested for four months was arrested by the Majitha police from Baba Bakala last evening without any resistance by him. Before his arrest, the police cordoned off the “Nihang chhawni” — the headquarter of Ajit Singh Poohla.	Ajit Singh Poohla

Gujarat riots a blot on NDA, admits Advani
Ghaziabad/New Delhi, March 8
Terming Gujarat riots in 2002 as a “blot” and an “aberration”, Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani today asserted that barring those “unfortunate” incidents, the six-year tenure of Vajpayee-led NDA government had been remarkable in ensuring security and development in the country.
In video (28k, 56k)
Advani shedding crocodile tears, says Muslim Board

EC recognises Pawar-led NCP
New Delhi, March 8
In a major boost to Mr Sharad Pawar ahead of the Lok Sabha poll, the Election Commission today recognised the party led by him as the real NCP allowing it to retain the ‘Clock’ symbol and giving his rival Mr P.A. Sangma the defeat in the first round of the battle.
 

In video (28k, 56k) A little girl leads activists of Nari Raksha Samiti at a rally to mark International Women’s Day in New Delhi on Monday. — PTI

Ponty Chadha ‘grabs’ liquor shop bids Only select few allowed entry Ludhiana, March 8 The group led by liquor baron from Uttar Pradesh Ponty Chadha further consolidated its stranglehold on the liquor trade in Punjab by virtually capturing the Ludhiana revenue district. Amritsar, Gurdaspur, bids a farce Amritsar, March 8 Auctions for liquor shops in Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Kapurthala districts were carried out yesterday by the lone contender — the Chadha group — amid lathi charge and restricted entry of contractors. Two big players corner liquor trade in Haryana Punjab page: SAD demands CBI probe, scrapping of auction