Quicktakes

Swedish denial

NEW DELHI: The Swedish embassy today denied that any statement has been made by its Prime Minister’s Office on the Bofors issue. "With reference to recent reports in the Indian press about an alleged statement by a spokesperson of the Swedish Prime Minister on the Bofors issue, the embassy of Sweden denies that any official Swedish statement to that effect has been made," the embassy said in a statement.

ULFA threat

GUWAHATI: The United Liberation Front of Assam(ULFA) has threatened people with "bloodshed" if they cast their votes on February 16. In a press release signed by ULFA chairman Arabindra Rajkhowa today, the banned organisation appealed to the people to boycott the elections. Reacting to the Governor’s appeal, issued earlier this week, to the people to vote without fear, the ULFA has warned: "If you follow the Governor’s appeal, a lot of blood will flow".

The banned outfit has also appealed to the people to ask their friends and neighbours not to vote.

Naik attacked

AKOLA: Former Maharashtra chief minister and Congress candidate from Washim Lok Sabha constituency, Sudhakarrao Naik, narrowly escaped the fury of irate tribals when they pelted his campaign vehicle with stones at Ghanora village in the district yesterday. Police today said while Naik escaped unscathed, four party members were injured. The village has been reeling under a severe water shortage and the tribals, who apparently made several representations to Naik in the pastabout the problem, were upset that the response had not been adequate.

Benazir summoned

LAHORE: A provincial high court has summoned former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto over a petition concerning her bank accounts in Switzerland, court officials said today. Judge Ehsanul Haq Chaudhry of the Lahore High Court issued a notice yesterday asking Bhutto to appear before him personally on February 26, they said.

Indonesian riots

JAKARTA: Buildings blazed in at least two central Indonesian cities on Friday as hundreds rioted over soaring prices and shortages in a dramatic escalation of tension amid the country’s economic chaos. Mobs took to the streets of Ciasem, Pamanukan and Indramayu in a rage after two days of violence in the neighbouring town.