41.   The military was expected to refrain from launching fresh anti-rebel operations, Karunaratne said adding, however, that there would be no redeployment of troops.

42.   The Taliban used heavy weapons in the attack, the spokesman said adding that at least two pro-government commanders were also captured in the fighting.

43.   Troops in the embattled eastern province were the prime targets for another assault by the LTTE, an official said adding that a red alert has been sounded.

44.   Two unidentified bodies were found after they were tortured and shot dead, officials said adding that other casualties were in the Landhi and Model Colony areas.

45.   Magistrates will have no right to grant bail to those accused of possessing illegal weapons, the ministry said adding that offenders will also lose all their property.

46.   Most of the military casualties were inflicted by long-range artillery guns fired by the Tigers, officials said adding that a search operation was under way in the area.

47.   Police killed two Moslem guerrillas in the central Kashmiri district of Badgam, he said adding that two former militants and a civilian died elsewhere.

48.   The cause of the fire at Kadduwan in the northern peninsula of Jaffna had not yet been established, the ministry said adding that an investigation was underway.

49.   The atmosphere of talks was good, Murad said adding that Khalili appeared interested in a negotiated solution to the problemn.

50.   The casualties include women and children, it said adding that nine of the people who died were members of the same family.