S P O T L I G H T

Rajasthan staff call off stir
JAIPUR, Feb 16 (UNI) — The 64-day-old strike by the employees of the Rajasthan Government was called off tonight following an agreement with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. The leaders of the striking Employees’ Joint Struggle Committee announced here that the strike was “called off unconditionally” reposing “full faith” in the Chief Minister. Earlier in the day, Joint Struggle Committee leaders met Cabinet Sub-Committee Chairman and Famine Relief Minister Gulab Shaktawat, Home Minister and Law Minister paving the way for the final agreement.

Army’s denial
NEW DELHI, Feb 16 (PTI) —The Army Headquarters late tonight said it was not in any way backing the candidature of any Lt-Gen for the post of the Chief of Army Staff as it had “no role in the process of selection”. Describing as “incorrect and speculative” media reports on the next Army Chief, the Army Headquarters said “it is clarified that the appointment of Chief of the Army Staff is approved by the Government of India and the Army Headquarters have no role in the process of selection”. The Army Headquarters had neither the power nor was there move to grant extension to any general officer, an official note said.

60 killed in Lanka
COLOMBO, Feb 16 (PTI) — Norway’s initiative to arrange talks between Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE began on a bloody note today with 40 rebels and 20 Army and policemen killed in heavy fighting. The latest fighting in Jaffna peninsula came even as Norwegian Foreign Minister Kunt Volleback held talks with Sri Lankan leaders in Colombo in an effort to kick start the peace process.