The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Friday, April 28, 2000,
Chandigarh, India

THE TRIBUNE SPECIALS

50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

S P O T L I G H T

34 killed in Jaffna
COLOMBO, April 27 (UNI, PTI) — In renewed fighting in northern Jaffna, at least 34 persons, including nine soldiers, were killed as the government’s forces engaged rebel targets. Meanwhile, in a new revelation to the December 18 LTTE assassination attempt on President Chandrika Kumaratunga, it has now been officially revealed here that the Indian Government had given a fairly early and accurate alert to Colombo about a possible attempt on her life on the same date.

Atal has throat infection
NEW DELHI, April 27 (PTI) — The Prime Minister Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, is slightly indisposed with a recurring throat infection and has been advised not to make speeches for a couple of days. “He has been advised to avoid making speeches for a couple of days. Accordingly, Vajpayee did not address the BJP parliamentary party meeting this morning,” a press note issued by Prime Minister’s Press Adviser H.K. Dua said. However, the Prime Minister will continue to keep other scheduled engagements.

12 PWG men shot
HYDERABAD, April 27 (PTI) — Twelve Peoples’ War Group Naxalites, including five women, were today killed in an encounter with police in Kavakondaguttala village in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh. The police said the exchange of fire was still on near Chandragiri.

Warrants for 19
PATNA, April 27 (UNI) — Arrest warrants have been issued against 19 officials, including president of the Dental Council of India, for according fake affiliation to Darbhanga Dental College under Lalit Narayan Mithila University in Bihar. A senior official of the Vigilance Department and investigating officer of the case said here today that a special team was leaving for Delhi and other places to arrest the accused.

Minorities panel
MATHURA, April 27 (PTI) — A five-member team of the National Minorities Commission, headed by Chairman Mohammad Shamim conducted an on the spot inquiry into the recent attacks on Christian missionaries here. The NMC team had separate meetings with the heads of Christian missionaries and the district authorities. The team visited Vidyawati Mother Teresa School at Kosi-Kalan town where a Christain priest and two nuns were assaulted on the night of April 12.

Dailies closed
TEHERAN, April 27 (AFP) — Teheran's courts ordered the closure today of two leading reformist newspapers, Mosharekat, run by President Mohammad Khatami's brother, and Sobh-e-Emruz, the official news agency Irna said today. It said the two had been told to stop publication due to violation of the press law.

Hooch kills 6
LUCKNOW, April 27 (UNI) — Six persons died after consuming spurious liquor in Raja ka Purva village of Rae Bareili district in Uttar Pradesh yesterday. A police official today said that the victims died after consuming the hooch at a wedding.