spokeswoman Raquel Espinoza said one of the railcars was leaking sodium hydroxide, which can cause injuries or even death if it is inhaled or touches the skin. AP

Taliban, Afghan govt in secret talks

ISLAMABAD: The Taliban have held secret talks with representatives of Afghan President Hamid Karzai to jumpstart the peace process, according to Afghan officials. "The Afghan government certainly is in contact with certain leaders and certain figures among the Taliban,'' Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Janan Musazai said Sunday. AP

Aus party begins ban burqa campaign

Melbourne: Victoria-based Rise Up Australia party, which is contesting the September 7 polls, launched a campaign to ban burqa, saying the full Islamic veil promotes the segregation of Muslims in the country. The party also feared that the move could provoke a backlash against Muslim-Australians. PTI

US military helicopter crashes in Okinawa

TOKYO: A US military helicopter crashed at an American base on the southern island of Okinawa, Japanese and US officials said Monday. A HH-60 rescue helicopter crashed in a training area at Camp Hansen with four crew members on board, the US Air Force said in a statement. The status of the crew members is unknown, it said. AP

Three killed in blast

in Pak train

Islamabad: A bomb blast ripped through a coach of a train in Pakistan's Punjab province, killing three persons and injuring 15, officials said. The explosion occurred in a crowded compartment of the Shalimar Express near Toba Tek Singh city Monday afternoon. The explosive device was planted in a toilet, Pakistani newschannels reported. PTI