Politics overshadows celebrations

Kalam brings CM, Badal together on stage Amritsar, August 31 “Today is not a day for politics. It is a day for celebrations,” said Akali Dal chief, Parkash Singh Badal, just before the celebrations for the 400th anniversary of the installation of Guru Granth Sahib began here today.	Selfless seva at Guru ki Nagri Amritsar, August 31 Faith moves and it was on the move today with those who translate their beliefs into action. Selfless sewa is the basic belief of the Sikh faith and it was on display in all its humble grandeur all along the roads leading to Harmandar Sahib here.
Sonia greets Sikhs on anniversary Holiday in Rajasthan today

Special feature: Sri Guru Granth Sahib - Quadricentenary Celebrations PHOTO GALLERY

Devotees throng the Golden Temple during the 400th anniversary celebrations of the Guru Granth Sahib’s installation; and (right) the President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, brings Capt Amarinder Singh and Mr Parkash Singh Badal together on stage for a reconciliatory handshake in Amritsar on Tuesday. — Reuters and Tribune photo by Karam Singh PUNJAB PAGE: Kalam offers help to preserve Sikh heritage Badal seeks Kalam’s help to get back Sikh manuscripts Oped: Guru Granth Sahib’s message is for all More stories on Punjab page

12 Nepali hostages killed in Iraq
New Delhi, August 31
The fate of the Indian hostages in Iraq came into sharp focus as Iraqi militants today claimed to have executed 12 Nepali citizens, forcing the Government of India on a back foot.

Chirac appeals for release of hostages
Sochi (Russia), August 31
French President Jacques Chirac renewed his appeal here today for the release of two French journalists held hostage in Iraq.

Hostages safe in Iraq, says govt

Maharashtra poll: Cong unlikely to have pact with BSP
New Delhi, August 31
Although the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) made a strong presence in the 70-odd Assembly constituencies of Maharashtra in the recent Lok Sabha poll, the Congress does not feel the need to have an alliance with it.

Uma case adjourned
Hubli, August 31 
A Hubli court today asked the prosecution to submit in writing its request for withdrawing cases against former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti and adjourned the proceedings till tomorrow after slogan-shouting lawyers disrupted the court demanding the setting up of a High Court Bench in Hubli-Dharwad.
Details on Nation page

Editorial: U-turn on Uma