Shahnawaz meets PM
Blames Cong for  demolition
NEW DELHI, Dec 9 — Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee today told Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shahnawaz Hussain, who met him this morning to express the feelings of the Muslim community over the Prime Minister’s reported remarks on Ram Mandir, that he had no intention to ‘force any decision’ on the Ayodhya issue.

It’s ridiculous, says Cong
Imam asks allies to pull out
NEW DELHI, Dec 9 — The Congress said today it would continue to press its demand in Parliament for resignation of three Union Ministers charge-sheeted in the demolition case.

• SP to continue protest till PM apologises
  Nation page
  

Newly commissioned Lieutenants in a jubilant mood soon after the “pipping” and oath-taking ceremony during the passing-out parade at the Indian Military Academy in Dehra Dun on Saturday. (Report on Nation page) — Tribune photo by Pankaj Sharma

Giani Puran Singh is Head Granthi
AMRITSAR, Dec 9 — Giani Puran Singh, who was sacked as Jathedar of Akal Takht on March 28 by pro-Bibi Jagir Kaur executive members, has been appointed Head Granthi of the Golden Temple with immediate effect. He will replace Giani Mohan Singh who retired yesterday.

Florida SC orders recount
Bush goes in appeal
WASHINGTON, Dec 9 —In a stunning order, the Florida Supreme Court today brought Democrat Vice-President Al Gore back into the reckoning in the presidential race by directing recount of thousands of disputed votes, dashing hopes of Republican rival George W Bush whose lead has now been slashed to a mere 150 votes.

Secret deal to free Sharif?
ISLAMABAD, Dec 9 — Pakistan’s deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif may be allowed to leave the country within the next few days under a clandestine deal with the military government, newspapers reported today.

CBI fails to pay rent for 4 years
AMRITSAR, Dec 9 — The CBI is in the web of controversy as its team which has been occupying two airconditioned rooms of Sainik Rest House since February 12, 1996, has not paid the rent so far. Neither has the team vacated the rooms despite repeated reminders.