Devotees fall as they try to break through police barricades, resulting in a stampede during the third “Shahi Snan” at the Kumbh Mela in Trimbakeshwar, near Nashik, on Wednesday. — Reuters photo

Lay down arms, come for talks, asserts PM
Srinagar, August 27
Promising “maximum help” to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for consolidating recent gains, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said the Centre would intensify efforts to advance the dialogue process with those who rejected militancy and extreme positions.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed arrive for the Inter-State Council meeting in Srinagar on Wednesday. — AFP photo

Bandh affects life, separatist leaders held
Mufti downplays strike call
Conferences won’t change Kashmir’s status: Hurriyat
PM’s visit raises residents’ hopes

Jawan killed, DIG hurt in attack on CTO
Srinagar, August 27
A BSF jawan was killed and nine persons, including a BSF DIG, were injured as heavily-armed militants made a vain attempt to storm the Central Telegraph Office building here this evening, official sources said.

Mars at its dazzling best NASA's Hubble Space Telescope took this snapshot of Mars 11 hours before the planet made its closest approach to Earth on August 26, 2003. The two planets are 55,760,220 km apart. This image was made from a series of exposures with Hubble's Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2. —Reuters Click for graphic representation of Mars' position Video (28k, 56k)

RDX used in Mumbai blasts, say experts
Mumbai, August 27
Investigators have found that high grade explosive — RDX — was used in Monday’s twin blasts here that killed 52 persons and injured nearly 200, the police said.

14 BSP MLAs back Mulayam as CM
Lucknow, August 27
The BSP headed for a split as 14 party MLAs met the Uttar Pradesh Governor to request him to invite Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav to form the government.
Video (28k, 56k)

Nation page:
BJP decides to sit in opposition 
BJP denies tacit understanding with Samajwadi Party

Maya gave nod to Taj Corridor work, finds CBI New Delhi, August 27 The outgoing Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Ms Mayawati, was involved in the go-ahead for the controversial Rs 175-crore Taj Heritage Corridor project, according to investigations by CBI.