Sri Lankan troops on alert
Sri Lanka's rapidly evolving politico-military dynamics today witnessed a toning down of the sweeping powers given to policemen recently, while on the battle front Government troopers were preparing themselves for possible LTTE attacks in three crucial sectors of the northern Peninsula.

Troops brace for LTTE attack
An estimated 25,000 Sri Lankan troops in the northern Jaffna peninsula braced themselves for possible attacks by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in the days ahead as the Tigers made their presence felt in the Nagar Kovil, Thanankilappu and Ariyalai areas.

Sinha showcases India's potential
Inviting foreign investors to India as an independent destination, the Finance Minister, Mr. Yashwant Sinha, said here today that the country was moving towards the status of ``a highly-developed nation based on strong social, cultural and economic foundations and (sitting) at the cutting edge in science and technology.''

Talks with Hurriyat not now: Advani
The Union Home Minister, Mr. L.K. Advani, today said the Government did not have any ``intention for the time being'' to extend a formal invitation to Hurriyat leaders as part of the ongoing efforts to usher in peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pistols seized from Lahore-Delhi bus
Alert customs officials today arrested two passengers of the Lahore-Delhi bus at the Attari-Wagah checkpost this morning and seized two Chinese-made revolvers and some ammunition from them.

Missionaries attacked
A group of Christians was allegedly attacked while distributing leaflets in Vivekanandanagar locality in Hathijan on the outskirts of Ahmedabad yesterday. At least two persons were hospitalised with multiple injuries.

Kapil Dev breaks down
A tearful Kapil Dev has said in a TV interview that a lifetime of his service to cricket ``has been finished by an irresponsible allegation of match-fixing by third parties''. He said ``I will commit suicide rather than take a bribe''.