S P O T L I G H T

7,000 buses go off Delhi roads
New Delhi, April 6
Commuters in the Capital today faced a tough time as nearly 7,000 diesel buses remained off the roads following the Supreme Court’s yesterday judgement imposing a heavy fine on such vehicles. Today being Saturday, with many schools and government and public sector offices closed, the full impact was not felt by the Delhiites. PTI

28 hurt in clash
Kaithal, April 6
At least 28 persons belonging to two different labour unions were reportedly injured here this afternoon when a clash took place between them over the loading of foodgrains belonging to government agency lying at godowns of L.D. Rice Mill. According to reports, labourers belonging to Subhash and Company were allegedly attacked by supporters of the rival labour union. There was heavy brick-batting and some shots were fired. The DSP, Mr Amir Singh said 49 persons had been arrested. OC

4 die IN road mishap
Ludhiana, April 6
At least four persons, including two girls, were killed and 20 injured when a mini-truck fell into a deep gorge near Una in Himachal Pradesh today evening. The driver lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a curve. They were returning from a pilgrimage. The number of the injured can be more, according to patients admitted to the DMC and the CMC here. TNS

16 Maoists killed
Kathmandu, April 6
Five soldiers were among 21 persons killed in various parts of Nepal during the past 24 hours, the Defence Ministry said today. At least five soldiers were killed yesterday in Bardia district of western Nepal in an ambush by the Maoist insurgents. In other incidents, at least 16 Maoists were killed in various parts of the country in the combing operations launched by the security forces. UNI

Airport stone laid
Gangtok, April 6
The Vice-President, Mr Krishan Kant, today laid the foundation stone of Sikkim’s first airport, built at an estimated cost of Rs 80-crore, at Pakyong. Addressing a gathering on the occasion, Mr Kant said the airport, situated about 35 km from here, would prove to be a viable asset for Sikkim as well as the entire region. UNI