Monday, August 19, 2002, Chandigarh, India
 Updated at 3:00 am (IST)

EC’s order referred to President
New Delhi, August 18
The disagreement between the Centre and the Election Commission over the timing of elections in Gujarat today went beyond the realms of sabre-rattling, with the Union Cabinet deciding to make a presidential reference under the provisions of Article 143 of the Constitution and seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on the matter.
In video (28k, 56k)

    No comment: CEC In video (28k)
    Cong not against Cabinet decision
    Poll standoff: Modi hails Cabinet move
    Editorial: Pointless fight with the EC

Kashmir panel for poll postponement
Srinagar, August 18
The Kashmir Committee led by former Union Law Minister Ram Jethmalani has favoured the postponement of the forthcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate the participation of more Kashmiri groups in the democratic process.
In video (28k, 56k)

Mr Ram Jethmalani at a news conference in Srinagar on Sunday. — Photo Amin War

    Jethmalani sets talks ball rolling

SHIVANI MURDER CASE
Daughter seeks meeting with PM
Pramod’s no to DNA test; another suspect held
New Delhi, August 18
Pragati Sharma, daughter of prime accused in Shivani Bhatnagar murder case R.K. Sharma, today said she wanted to meet Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to seek his intervention as the Delhi police was “framing” her father in the case.

    Delhi police visits Sharma’s house

Punjab page: Hanspal takes over as PPCC chief Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh congratulates Mr H.S. Hanspal on his assuming office as PPCC chief in Chandigarh on Sunday. — Tribune photo Pankaj Sharma

Virbhadra Singh, five MLAs booked
Shimla, August 18
The Himachal Government today registered an FIR against Mr Virbhadra Singh, the Leader of Opposition, and seven other Congress leaders in connection with the alleged abduction and illegal confinement of Mr Ramesh Dhawala, Irrigation and Public Health Minister, on March 5,1998 on the basis of the Kainthla Commission report.

Terrorists gun down five CPM men
Kolkata, August 18
Terrorists carrying AK 47 gunned down five CPM leaders inside their zonal party office in the Dhupguri tea gardens area of Jalpaiguri district in north Bengal last night.