Monday, January 1, 2001, Chandigarh, India
  Updated at 3 am (IST)

 

Qureshi’s transfer stayed NEW DELHI, Dec 31 — Non-applicability of Indian laws in Jammu and Kashmir today proved to be a major handicap for Delhi High Court in deciding the issue of handing over JKLF activist Hashim Qureshi, an accused in the hijacking of Indian Airlines	Pigeons settle on a wall as the sun sets on 2000. This picture was taken by Karam Singh on New Year's Eve in Chandigarh
plane in 1971, to Srinagar police as neither his nor government counsel could place the exact legal position before it by January 2.

Separatists dead set to disrupt poll
JAMMU, Dec 31 — When militants torched three panchayat ghars in south Kashmir recently, it heralded a new phase of confrontation between the government and the separatists, including the militants. The former is determined to complete the panchayat poll being held in the state after a gap of 23 years, while the latter is dead set to disrupt the poll process and ensure that there is no participation of people in the poll.

Hizb insists on permit to all
ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 — Pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit has insisted that if all seven executive council members of the Hurriyat Conference do not travel to Pakistan, it will be an “exercise in futility”.

Team our prerogative: Mirwaiz
SRINAGAR, Dec 31 — Senior Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today said the Centre should issue passports to the seven executive council members of the conglomerate and leave composition of the team, which is to visit Pakistan for talks with the militant leadership, to Hurriyat.

• Hizbul asks Hurriyat to clarify stand
  (J&K page)

Ultra admits to Sikh carnage, says no regret
NEW YORK, Dec 31— A Pakistani militant, arrested in connection with the massacre of 35 Sikhs in Chittisinghpora in Kashmir, in March, has admitted to his being a member of the attackers’ team and his affiliation to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba outfit, a media report said here today.

Lawlessness marks New Year’s Eve
Weather disappoints tourists
KUFRI (Shimla), Dec 31 — A large number of New Year Eve revellers were caught in a long traffic jam here as most of the tourists made a beeline to this famous tourist spot in the hope of experiencing a snowfall. But they were disappointed as few snowflakes fell which melted by the time these touched the ground.

Nepal protests to India
Govt disowns Malkani’s remarks
KATHMANDU, Dec 31 — Nepal lodged a strong protest with India today over the remarks of an Indian ruling party politician, who said New Delhi should have accepted Kathmandu’s offer to accede to it in the 1950s.

• 2 dead in firing

 

Punjab shortlists priority sectors CHANDIGARH, Dec 31 — As Punjab enters the election mode with the dawn of New Year tomorrow, it is time to look ahead. The New Year will mean a different Budget. Seen in the context of the ground realities, the state is heading for an economic crisis that will not permit the ruling SAD-BJP to make populist announcements.