
A massive crisis in the ruling Akali Dal (L) in Punjab in the wake of the ministry expansion was averted at midnight following the withdrawal of resignations by four ministers.
The high drama began with a joint statement by four ministers, “We are ready for any sacrifice to keep the party united.”
Thirty-eight people, including 20 from the security forces, were killed in Sri Lanka during the last 24 hours. Over 20 persons were killed in intermittent clashes between two Tamil militant groups, PLOTE and TELO, reports from Jaffna said.