Tuesday, May 29, 2007, Chandigarh, India
Updated at 3:00 am (IST)

Apology splits clergy, panthic bodies
Amritsar/Bathinda, May 28
Even as the Sikh clergy and Panthic organisations are divided over the contents of the apology tendered by Dera Sacha Sauda addressed to Guru Gobind Singh, the meeting of the Sikh high priests to be held at the Akal Takht secretariat here tomorrow would set the tone of the next course of programme.

Dera sends apology to Akal Takht

Not graceful: Mediators
Agnivesh to meet high priests today

New Delhi, May 28 The delegation of Sarva Dharam Sansad, which has mediated in the standoff between the Sikh community and Dera Sacha Sauda, today left for Amritsar to request Akal Takht to accept the “mafinama” issued by the dera yesterday.

How the dera was won Chandigarh, May 28 A lot of cajoling and a little bit of arm-twisting, coupled with a “nudge” by Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda were the weapons that the three-officer team had to use to persuade the Dera Sacha Sauda to apologise to Guru Gobind Singh last night.

SC declines urgent hearing on dera’s plea
New Delhi, May 28
The Supreme Court today saw no urgency for preponing the hearing of the Dera Sacha Sauda petition seeking protection to its over 150 institutions in 13 states, particularly in Punjab, after the deadline of the Akal Takht for their closure had expired on May 27.

India: The Tasks Ahead
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS,
INAUGURAL SESSION

1857 The First Challenge Special supplement to mark the 150th anniversary of India’s first War of Independence.

Punjab page: Dera Cases: CBI wants more time
Pope didn’t say sorry to Prophet: Sarna
Haryana page: Dera row: State refuses to spare forces for Rajasthan
Ludhiana page: Technically, it’s not an apology: Scholar

Amarinder quizzed for 8 hours
VB not happy with his replies
Patiala, May 28
Former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh was today grilled for about eight hours in the Ludhiana City Centre scam. He formally joined investigation in the case this morning at the Patiala Circuit House. A team of vigilance officials from Ludhiana quizzed him.

Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh addressing mediapersons at Circuit House in Patiala on Monday after he was questioned by the Vigilance Bureau in Patiala. — Tribune photo by Rajesh Sachar

Burns coming on May 31
New Delhi, May 28
United States’ under secretary of state and main pointman on the Indo-US nuclear deal, Nicholas Burns is arriving here later this week to hold another round of talks with his Indian counterparts on May 31-June 1, US embassy spokesman David Kennedy informed this evening.

Monsoon arrives in Kerala
New Delhi, May 28
The annual monsoon, bringing in much awaited rains to India, entered the Kerala coast today, three days ahead of the schedule.

Naxal blasts kill 9 policemen
Raipur, May 28
Nine policemen were killed when members of the banned Naxal outfit CPI (Maoists) triggered a series of landmine blasts targeting a 12-member police party in Bastar district of Chattisgarh, the police said today.

Johri seeks more powers
Ahmedabad: IGP Geetha Johri Gujarat heading the team conducting an inquiry into the fake encounter case of alleged gangster Sohrabudding Sheikh, has reportedly sought additional powers failing which she has asked the case to be shifted to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Nation page: SC accepts another petition
Arrest warrants against 5 cops  

Small coins, double premium Gangs melt them for nickel Chandigarh, May 28 If you are a retailer or trader, keep your coins carefully. They will help you fetch more money. Gangs are on the prowl, paying traders Rs 1.50 - Rs 2 for each Re 1 coin and Rs 2.80-Rs 4 for every Rs 2 coin.