Security

KOLKATA - Armed Maoists torched houses of three supporters of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) in two villages of West Midnapore district in West Bengal late Sunday night, police said.

BHUBANESWAR - Offensives by security forces and the refusal of people to join have hit hard Maoists in Orissa, police say. But experts are not so sure and say the guerrillas are only lying low.

TORONTO/NEW YORK/WASHINGTON - Beverage containers also came under the scanner at US and Canadian airports from Friday as the North American countries further tightened aviation security.

WASHINGTON - Air travellers carrying thermoses or coffee cups at US airports may be subject to extra scrutiny during this holiday season as such items could be used to conceal explosive materials, according to an official advisory.

PANAJI - Coastal security has been beefed up in Goa following an alert about possible intrusion from the sea by terrorists, police said here Friday.