Mush bends, polls by Feb 15
President Gen Pervez Musharraf today told the National Security Council (NSC) that general elections would be held before February 15 next year. Musharraf linked the announcement of exact date of the election to the judgement by the Supreme Court on his candidature. He promised to quit as army chief immediately after taking fresh oath of office as President.

World page: Hundreds of Bhutto supporters arrested

Bush cracks the whip
President George W. Bush on Wednesday personally informed Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf that he must fulfill his promise to hold parliamentary elections and give up his post as army chief.

Rising subsidies worry PM
New Delhi, November 8
The Planning Commission today cleared the draft of the 11th Five-Year Plan, which pitches for 9 per cent economic growth, even as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed concern over the mounting oil, food and fertiliser subsidies, estimated to cross Rs 1,00,000 crore this fiscal.

Editorial: Crude nears $100

Central rule in Karnataka revoked
New Delhi, November 8
As expected and going by the report of the Karnataka Governor, Rameshwar Thakur, the Union Cabinet at its meeting held here today decided to revoke President’s rule in the state.

Militant holed up in hotel killed
Srinagar, November 8
One of the two militants holed up in a hotel after they attempted suicide attack on a CRPF camp in Sopore town of north Kashmir, was killed in an encounter with security forces this evening.

Fire destroys 100 stalls, 53 vehicles
Sirsa, November 8
As many as 100 shops selling firecrackers were gutted in a fire that broke out in the makeshift market at the National Government College grounds on the eve of Diwali here today.

Dalip Singh Saund’s portrait unveiled
Washington, November 8
A portrait of Dalip Singh Saund, the first Indian-American Congressman, was unveiled at a ceremony in the Congress Building here.

The Tribune Wishes Its Readers A Happy Diwali Friday being a holiday in our offices, there will be no edition of the paper on Saturday.