M A I N   N E W S

Patil: talks with separatists to be resumed
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 25
In a fresh bid to resume the stalled dialogue with the Hurriyat in Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre today announced that it would hold talks with separatist leaders without any pre-condition.

An invitation for talks will be extended when Home Minister Shivraj Patil visits the state on October 23.

Mr Patil rubbished reports that Special Advisor in PMO, Mr M.K. Narayanan, had been specifically asked to take care of Kashmir and the North-East by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh before leaving for his overseas trip.

Manipur to file counter-affidavit

Imphal, September 25
The Manipur Government will file a counter-affidavit to the petitions filed by the Army against the state-sponsored Thangjam Manorama death inquiry commission, headed by retired judge C. Upendra.

The matter is expected to be heard at the principal seat of the Gawahati High Court on September 28, official sources said. — UNI