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BJP-HVC stakes claim in HimachalSHIMLA: The BJP-Himachal Vikas Congress combine today staked claim to form the government in Himachal Prades...

BJP-HVC stakes claim in Himachal

SHIMLA: The BJP-Himachal Vikas Congress combine today staked claim to form the government in Himachal Pradesh as the BJP-led cabinet opposed Governor Rama Devi’s recomendation for imposition of President’s rule in the State where assembly poll produced a hung assembly. A three-member delegation of the combine, led by BJP legislature party leader Prem Kumar Dhumal, met Rama Devi and staked claim to form government after getting clearance from the BJP high command.

Train dacoity

NAGPUR: A gang of about 25 armed dacoits decamped with booty worth approximately Rs 60,000 after beating the passengers of the Howrah-Ahmedabad express, injuring 18, between Khapri and Gumaon stations near here on Saturday night. Police said the dacoits pulled the chain within half an hour of the train leaving Nagpur station and started looting the passengers after beating some of them. They then started pelting stones to scare the passengers and after relieving them of cash,valuables, wrist watches and ornaments.

Ban on bandhs

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IMPHAL: Calling and holding of bandh by an association or organisation, political party or individual will henceforth be termed illegal and unconstitutional in Manipur in the light of the recent decision of the Supreme Court. A notification to this effect was issued yesterday by the Manipur chief secretary.

Six jawans killed

AGARTALA: The banned All Tripura Tiger Force guerillas ambushed a Tripura State Rifles patrol at Ampura in West Tripura district this morning, killing six jawans and injuring several.

Pak curfew

ISLAMABAD: Army has been called out in the north-west frontier town of Hangu and curfew clamped to prevent any further violence after Saturday’s sectarian clashes left at least 10 people dead and nearly 25 injured. Soldiers took position in the town as police and para-military forces failed to control the situation when Shia and Sunni Muslims engaged in attacks and counter-attacks using heavy weapons includingrocket launchers over celebration of Jashn-e-Nawroze, the Persian new year.