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KANDAHAR : Operations to push the Taliban out of their iconic Afghan stronghold of Kandahar are underway and will steadily build in the months ahead, military officials said on Thursday.

The military and political efforts against the Taliban around Kandahar, Afghanistan’s third biggest city and the militia’s spiritual capital, are the next step in the US-led strategy to end a war now in its ninth year.

“We have been making preparation and plans concerning Operation Omaid,” said General Sher Mohammad Zazai, Afghan army commander in the country’s south.

“We’re still working on the plan,” he said, without giving further details.

Kandahar is the next target in major military operations to eradicate the Taliban from areas they have controlled, in many cases in tandem with drug cartels, over the years since their regime was overthrown in 2001.

The commander of US and Nato troops in Afghanistan, US General Stanley McChrystal, said the offensive had begun with initial military and political efforts, including operations to secure key roads and districts.

DHAKA : A blazing fire lit up the night as it swept through a Dhaka slum in the early hours of Thursday, razing hundreds of dwellings to the ground in just over half an hour.

There were no immediate reports of serious casualties or fatalities.

The fire was under control within 40 minutes, but almost three quarters of the homes gutted, said a witness at the scene.

Nine people have died and more than 40 have been injured in a fire in an office block in the southern Indian city of Bangalore, officials say.

Police said most victims had broken windows and jumped from upper floors.

More than 150 people have been moved out of the burning building. Local hospitals are treating people for burns and the effects of smoke inhalation.

Bangalore’s fire chief told the fire was under control and officials would investigate its cause.

Fire fighters were delayed by peak-hour traffic jams when trying to reach the seven-storey high Carlton Towers, which is located in a busy part of the city.

Scores of pilgrims witnessed and took part in the Lathamar Holi celebrations this evening at the Rangili street of Barsana, about 50 kms from here.

During the celebration lasting for about two hours at the Sri Ji temple, womenfolk representing associates of Radha playfully took up batons to defend themselves from the menfolk who sprayed colours on them.

“No untoward incident is reported during the celebration,” ADM Prabhat Kumar said.