IMPHAL, January 27: The tension on the Manipur-Nagaland border on account of some land dispute has subsided, according to Mao MLA M Thori. Speaking to IFP, Thorii also refuted the reports that residents of some villages had fled their homes because of a threat from across the border. He also asserted that any such threats would have no effect, adding that Manipur's territory will be defended by Manipuris. Thorii recalled that after villagers from the Manipur side of the border dismantled the rest house built in the Dzuko area by the Japhii Angami Public Organization, Nagaland residents...

GUWAHATI, January 26: What could be the best gift for a 73-year old man on the occasion of Republic Day, then being finally released, though on bail, after languishing for over seven years in prison following his arrest in connection with as many as 85 TADA cases ? And exactly that has happened to Arjun Sharma, a person of Nepal origin, who has been in Assam since he was fourteen years old. Sharma was arrested in the wake of the counter-insurgency operations launched in the state way back in November, 1990. Arrested first on November 28, 1990, a day after Operation Bajrang was launched against...

SHILLONG, January 27: Meghalaya chief secretary J.P. Singh today said the two companies of Border Security Force and three additional companies of CRPF, requisitioned by the government recently, would stay as long as their services were required. The BSF and CRPF companies had been specially requisitioned by the government "to assist" the state police in maintaining law and order during the Republic Day celebrations. "We are happy to see that the Republic Day celebrations passed off peacefully despite protests by the militants," Singh said. The chief secretary said it was beneficial to be...

IMPHAL, January 25: Residents of several villages along the Manipur Nagaland border are reported to have fled their homes and taken shelter in Mao during the past week on account of rising tension due to persistent territorial disputes between villagers of this state and their compatriots in Nagaland. A reliable report said after the latest flare-up in the Songsang area, residents of several villages on the interstate border have come under severe threat to leave their villages. It is worthwhile recalling that disputes had occurred earlier in the Tungjoy and Dzuko areas, but these had been...

IMPHAL, January 25: Security has been tightened in the entire greater Imphal area from this afternoon ahead of the 52nd Republic Day tomorrow, amidst the boycott called by a host of underground organisations. IRB, MR, CRPF and Manipur police personnel have been deployed at sensitive spots and to guard vital installations. Heavy patrolling by security personnel had already begun this morning all over the greater Imphal area. Security teams also conducted frisking of travelers and passersby at various points in the city and on major roads. It may be recalled that the Manipur People's Liberation...