NEW DELHI, Nov 24 ? Within 48 hours of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh?s return from Assam, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today sanctioned Rs 150 crore, which is Centre?s share to the State for critical flood control and anti-erosion projects in Brahma-putra and Barak valleys.

?The CCEA today sanctioned Rs 150 crore as share of the Central Government (90 per cent grant and 10 per cent loan) for taking up critical flood control and anti-erosion schemes in Brahma-putra and Barak valley by the concerned State governments of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Sikkim, Mizoram...

NEW DELHI, Nov 24 ? Reports of NSCN (I-M) leaders postponing their visit has jolted the UPA Government, even as efforts were on to sort out the latest tangle. A visibly upset chief interlocutor K Padmanabhaiah today called on Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil in the wake of reports that Issac Chisi Swu and Th Muivah have postponed their visit to Delhi until a proper clarification was issued by the Government of India.

Although Padmanabhaiah was tightlipped about what transpired at the meeting with the Union Home Minister, he told newsmen that they have no confirmation about the visit of the...

SHILLONG, Nov 23 ? Attired in traditional regalia, Khasi youths, men and women took part in the annual Seng Kut Snem procession in Shillong on Tuesday proclaiming the dignity and solemnity of the indigenous Khasi faith and culture.

The colourful procession highlighted the diverse and rich Khasi tradition through folk music and tableaux depicting various facets of the rich and colourful indigenous lifestyle. The procession culminated at the Weiking Ground, where traditional dances were held and special prayers offered.

The annual Seng Kut Snem festival is celebrated to commemorate the Seng...

SHILLONG, Nov 23 ? Admitting that the Border Security Force is ?handicapped? by shortage of manpower, the Director General of BSF, Ajay Raj Sharma, pleaded for strengthening of border management so as to enable the Force to become more effective.

Unfolding a three-pronged strategy to strengthen border management on the Indo-Bangla border in the north-eastern States, he said: ?The border fencing should be completed as early as possible.?

Addressing a press conference at the headquarters of the Shillong Frontier, BSF, here this afternoon, Sharma said: ?We also need adequate number of troops to...

SHILLONG, Nov 23 ? Nine floating border outposts (BOPs), meant for strengthening anti-infiltration measures on the India-Bangladesh border in the North-east, are stranded in the Bay of Bengal as Bangladesh has declined to allow passage to the ships.

Disclosing this to newsmen here this afternoon, BSF Director General Ajay Raj Sharma, said that the nine floating BOPs came from the Mazgaon Docks in Mumbai by sea but are now stuck as Bangladesh denied passage through its waters to the North-east.

?These ships are not meant for fighting (against Bangladesh), but apparently they (Bangladesh) have...