J&K: PANCHAYAT POLLS TO BE HELD IN NINE PHASES

SRINAGAR: Panchayat elections would be held in Jammu and Kashmir in nine phases in November and December, the state’s chief electoral officer announced on Sunday. The announcement of the civic election schedule coincided with the killing of a civilian in clashes following a gunfight between militants and security forces in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. ››P8

Security stepped up after nearstampede scenario at Lalbaugcha Raja

MUMBAI: A huge rush of devotees at Lalbaugcha Raja over the weekend resulted in a stampedelike situation on Saturday night. While the local police denied such a situation, they increased the number of personnel posted at the venue on Sunday. ››P2

Typhoon hits China after killing 64 in Philippines

HONG KONG: Typhoon Mangkhut barreled into southern China on Sunday, killing two people after lashing the Philippines with strong winds and heavy rain that left at least 64 dead and dozens feared buried in a landslide. More than 2.4 million people had been evacuated in southern China’s Guangdong province by Sunday evening. ››P12

Thieves dig tunnel into shop near police station, flee with ₹1.3L valuables

DOMBIVLI: Unidentified thieves dug a three-foot-long tunnel and robbed clothes and items worth ₹1.3 lakh from a shop near the Dombivli railway station, and right next door to a police station on Sunday. The police are yet to identify or trace the thieves. ››P6