Kokrajhar, July 7: The Adivasi Cobra Militants of Assam today threatened to pull out from the ceasefire agreement with the Centre and restart its ?war? if the Adivasis of Assam were not granted Scheduled Tribe status as demanded by the outfit. Dispur announced the ceasefire with the outfit for six months on June 30.

?If our demand for ST status to the Adivasi people of Assam is not granted by February next year, we will take our next step by withdrawing the ceasefire,? Kanhu Murmu, the commander-in-chief of the group said on the occasion of the outfit?s Raising Day. The group?s chairman...

Agartala, July 7: The change of government at the Centre has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the peace talks with the two groups of NLFT militants, led by Nayanbasi Jamatya and Mantu Koloi-Kamini Debbarma. Officials of the tribal welfare department of the state government expressed disappointment over lack of progress in the peace process.

The officials also expressed concern about the expenses incurred for the upkeep of the surrendered militants.

The Union ministry of the UPA government has shown no interest in furthering the peace process.

Official sources in the tribal welfare...

Imphal, July 7: Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh has accepted a proposal to set up an office of the Secular Progressive Front (SPF) to ?rehabilitate? leaders who were dropped from his ministry. The proposal was made by SPF convener and former art and culture minister, Moirangthem Nara Singh, at today?s meeting of the legislature wings of the SPF partners ? the Congress, the CPI and the Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP).

Ibobi Singh convened the meeting at his residence to review the fallout of the ministry downsizing exercise and to pacify the dropped ministers. After the meeting...

Shillong, July 7: Congress legislators have revolted against chief minister D.D. Lapang for excluding ?some seasoned and competent? politicians from the downsized 12-member Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government in the state. Immediately after the names and portfolios of the 12 ministers were announced, legislators from the Congress and the regional coalition partners openly questioned Lapang?s decision to induct first-timers instead of experienced hands.

Almost all MLAs and Congress workers have revolted against the chief minister and threatened to take out processions to protest...

Aizawl, July 7: Mizoram agriculture minister H. Rammawi today affirmed that the government was planning to introduce organic farming in the state shortly. Answering a starred question from Congress legislator R. Lalzirliana in the third session of the Assembly which began today, Rammawi said the government had plans to go in for organic farming soon.

The minister said certain fertilisers, pesticides, insecticides and weedkillers made from chemicals that were not harmful for humans would be continued.

Rammawi said chemical fertilisers like urea contain toxic substances, which were unfit for...