News in Brief

6.5 quake rattles New Zealand
Afp, Wellington
A powerful 6.5-magnitude earthquake rocked central New Zealand yesterday, sending frightened people into the streets, halting trains and downing power lines.
Although no substantial damage was reported, New Zealand remains on edge about severe earthquakes following a devastating tremor two years ago that killed 185 people in the main South Island city of Christchurch.

Curfew lifted in Kashmir Valley
Pti, Srinagar
Curfew was lifted from all parts of Kashmir yesterday but normal life in the Valley remained affected due to the strike call given by hardline Hurriyat Conference to protest against the firing incident in Ramban district that left four persons dead.
More than 100 persons, mostly security force personnel, were injured in the clashes between protestors and law enforcing agencies.

Tibetan dies after self-immolation
Afp, Beijing
A Tibetan monk died after setting himself on fire in southwest China, reports said yesterday, in the first such protest for more than a month.
Kunchok Sonam, 18, carried out the protest on Saturday protesting Chinese oppression outside a monastery in Aba prefecture bringing the death toll fron self emulations to 120 since February 2009.

Poll violence kills 3 in West Bengal
The Hindu Online
Violence continued to rock panchayat elections in West Bengal with at least three Congress party workers killed and several others, including two policemen, injured ahead of today's fourth and last phase of polling.