Hizb blames Indian intelligence agencies
The Hizb-ul Mujahideen has accused Indian intelligence agencies of having engineered the killings of four Sikhs and a Hindu in Kashmir last night to ``facilitate the Indian Government to wriggle out of the ceasefire announcement.''

Masterplan change only to help non-polluting industries
The Centre today ruled out amending Delhi's masterplan providing concession to polluting industries operating in non-conforming areas. The only ground the Urban Development Minister, Mr. Jagmohan, conceded was the offer to redefine household industries benefitting only the non-polluting units and seek time from the Supreme Court for relocation of the rest.

Ties hinge on Pak. returning to democracy: Britain
Britain has firmly ruled out normal ``business'' with Pakistan until there is visible movement towards democracy, and to begin with it would like the military regime in Islamabad to announce an ``unambiguous'' timetable for party-based general elections.

Florida Supreme Court smiles on Gore
In a major victory for the Vice-President, Mr. Al Gore, the Florida Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that manual recounts now under way in predominantly Democratic counties be added to the final tally of the votes polled in the November 7 U.S. presidential election.

Seize the chance: Solheim
The prospects of a ceasefire and a negotiated settlement in the civil war in Sri Lanka may brighten if the warring parties seize the moment now to implement measures that will build mutual confidence, according to the Norwegian special envoy, Mr. Erik Solheim.

U.S. businessman claims credit for peace plan
An influential American businessman, Mr. Mansur Ijaz, has claimed that he had proposed a framework for dialogue on Kashmir to both the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, and the Pakistani Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, earlier this year.

Haider for resuming dialogue
The former Indian Foreign Secretary, Mr. Salman Haider, today emphasised the need for the immediate resumption of a dialogue between India and Pakistan for resolving differences.

Not enthused,but ready for talks: Musharraf
The Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, says that Pakistan is not enthused over the ceasefire announcement made by the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, but at the same time he is prepared to fly to Delhi for a dialogue on a 24-hour notice if Mr. Vajpayee extends an invitation to him.