Statescape

Gastroenteritis kills three, affects 100 in Madurai
MADURAI: Three persons have died and 100 others have been affected by gastroenteritis over the past two days in Lakshmipuram Panchayat limits in Theni district. The deaths had occurred due to the spread of infection from improperly chlorinated water, official sources said, adding that steps were being taken to vaccinate all people in the affected areas. Those affected were from Krishnapuram, Karuthupatti, Jallipatti, and Lakshimipuram areas, the sources added.

Three Lankans caught smuggling
MADURAI: Three Sri Lankans, including two militants who allegedly attempted to smuggle out some commodities for the outlawed LTTE, were arrested near Mandapam camp in Ramanathapuram district. Police said on Tuesday the two Sri Lankan militants, who had been staying in the Mandapam camp for the past few months, were attempting to smuggle out a dish antenna, receiver, sarees and a few other commodities last night when they were spotted by thecoastal police and arrested. Another Sri Lankan Ganesa Lingam, a native of kadirgramam, was also arrested from Mandapam for not possessing valid documents for staying in the camp.

Andhra city bans use of plastic
VIJAYWADA: With a view to ensure a pollution-free environment, the Vijaywada city corporation has banned use of recycled plastic from January 1. The corporation council, at its general body meeting here on December 1 last, had adopted an unanimous resolution to this effect, corporation commissioner Arvind Kumar told newsmen last night. He said in the first phase, a campaign had been taken up to create awareness among the public about the non-biogradable nature of plastics and the need for litter-free atmosphere.

Naxals killed 15 in MP in 1999
BALAGHAT: Naxalite violence claimed 15 lives in balaghatdistrict of Madhya Pradesh in 1999. Police said Naxalites last year killed 13 people suspecting them to be police informer. Maximum killings were executed by Paraswara Dalam. StateTransport Minister Likhiram Kavre and one more were hacked to death by suspected Naxalites belonging to the Malajkhand Dalam, police added.