S P O T L I G H T

11 PWG members shot dead
PATNA, March 3 (UNI) — At least 18 persons, including 11 PWG activists, were killed in an encounter at Kanchanawam village under Mukdumpur police station in Jehanabad district today. Mr Niyaj Ahmed, IG (Admn), said here that two security personnel, including a CRPF jawan, were also killed and six injured in the encounter, which took place around noon. A large cache of sophisticated arms and ammunition was seized. In another incident, five farmers were killed and two injured by unidentified gunmen at Laxmipur Diara late last night.

New PCC chief
NEW DELHI, March 3 (PTI) — Senior Congress MP from Maharashtra Govindrao Adik was tonight appointed the state PCC President by party chief Sonia Gandhi hours after incumbent Prataprao Bhosale resigned from the post citing “personal reasons”. The announcement of Mr Adik’s appointment as the new PCC President was made by AICC General Secretary Motilal Vora.

Hostage drama ends
BUENOS AIRES, March 4 (DPA) — The Argentinian police early today shot dead two persons who had taken some persons hostages ending a dramatic chase through the capital that kept the nation glued to their television sets for seven hours. A hostage, a police officer and a camera operator were injured in the Buenos Aires gunfight.

Talks offer accepted
COLOMBO, March 3 (PTI) — Sri Lankan main opposition party United National Party (UNP) today agreed to hold talks with the Kumaratunga government on the controversial constitutional proposals on March 9.