The World : Sri Lanka Rebels Kill 31

Tamil rebels exploded a powerful mine under a bus in Sri Lanka, killing 31 people and injuring 22, mostly members of the majority Sinhalese community. The guerrillas are fighting to set up an independent state for the minority Tamils in the north and east sections of the island nation. The attack occurred while leaders of a moderate Tamil faction, the United Liberation Front, were holding talks with President Junius R. Jayewardene to discuss his plan for limited autonomy for the Tamils. They reported agreement on some basic issues, but declined to give details.