NEW DELHI, July 29: The Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) on Friday appealed to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to extend the ceasefire agreement with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM) and continue the political dialogue towards finding lasting peace in the state after securing the release of NSCN general secretary T Muivah, reports UNI. "The leadership of Muivah is very essential for continuation of ceasefire and peace talks since he has overwhelming support and credibility" among the Naga people, the NPMHR said in a memorandum to the Prime Minister. It said...

NEW DELHI, July 28: While recommending fundamental restructuring of the system of Central financing of the Special Category states, the 11th Finance Commission has recommended that the responsibility for development of infrastructure of vital importance of these states, including Assam and other north-eastern states requiring large investments should be that of the Centre. The recommendations of the Finance Commission tabled in the Parliament here on Thursday may not be good news for the states reeling under severe financial crisis as no special concessions have been made to them as sought by...

GOLAKGANJ, July 28: The bamboo-based cottage industries in Dhubri play a pivotal role in improving the socio-economic condition of the people of the char area of the Dhubri district. In absence of any comprehensive planning to wipe out the growing unemployment problem, encouraging bamboo-based cottage industries seems to be an alternative source of income for people living below the poverty line. These industries are concentrated in some char villages like Balurchar, Newghat char, Pahari char, Yogmaya Dham etc. The products are being marketed from South Salmara char bazar on the South bank of...

IMPHAL, July 28: Deputy Chief Minister L Chandramani today assured the House that a new committee would be instituted to look into the alleged encroachment of the state's border by Myanmar. The committee will also look into the construction of roads and bridges at the border areas. The Government will issue a formal order in this connection by tomorrow, he added. The committee will be headed by Chandramani as Chairman and will include Veterinary and Information Minister M Kunjo, Environment minister Prof Gangumei Kamei, revenue Minister T Bira, Chief whip Zatawan, Sericulture minister...

BISHNUPUR, July 28: Eleven personnel of the 112 Bn CRPF who are allegedly involved in the July 19 Lamdan CRPF atrocities have given their statements at the Bishnupur police station today. The 11 CRPF jawans were brought to the Bishnupur police station by the 112 Bn CO Hem Raj. Their statements were recorded inside the office of the Bishnupur SP K Radheshyam. The CO had wanted it to be done at the CRPF camp at Loktak Project. SP Radheshyam, Additional SP and other officers of the Bishnupur and Moirang police stations were present during the interrogation. The CRPF personnel were later taken...