S P O T L I G H T

STORM SYSTEMS IN USA ON COLLISION COURSE
Washington, March 3
Two major storm systems — a wet one trekking through the South and a frigid one moving down from Canada — were on a collision course today, threatening to spawn a massive snowstorm in northeastern and mid-Atlantic US states the likes of which have not been seen since 1966. The National Weather Service said heavy snowfall could begin tomorrow afternoon and evening, blanketing an area from Washington, DC, to southern Maine with at least a foot of snow, with some areas getting even more. Major cities, including Washington, Baltimore, New York and Boston were “under the gun for the potential for heavy snow,” said Mr Michael Eckert, a senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Reuters

12 FEARED KILLED
Srinagar (Uttaranchal), March 3
Twelve persons were feared killed and 24 were injured when a bus in which they were travelling fell into a deep gorge here this evening, the police said. The injured, who were pulled out from the bus, were admitted to hospitals while a search was on to locate the bodies or possible survivors, the police said. PTI

ULTRAS ATTACK POLICE STATION
Aizawal, March 3
Manipur’s United National Liberation Front (UNLF) militants attacked a police station and a police outpost at Mizoram-Manipur border villages even as three militants belonging to the same outfit surrendered to the Mizoram Police at Mizoram-Manipur border village of New Vervek, the police said today. Commandant of the First Battalion of the Mizoram Armed Police (MAP), John Neihlai told PTI today that around 10 UNLF militants attacked New Vervek police station last night but there was no report of any casualty on both sides. PTI

AJAY'S GUARD DIES
Dehra Dun, March 3
A head constable of police died and four others were injured when a Gypsy carrying security personnels of Mr Ajay Chautala MP, son of Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala fell into a deep gorge near Dogaon village on the Kathgodam-Nainital road this morning. According to the reports the steering wheel of the gypsy stopped working causing the accident. The head constable died on the spot while the injured were admitted immediately in a local private nursing home. PTI