IMPHAL, Oct 27 ? Moreh, India?s gateway to the South-east Asian countries, has been turning into one of the busiest international bazaars for trading in precious and rare stones ? from rubies to jades and sapphires, official sources said.

Gem and precious stones originated from the South-east Asian countries are being smuggled in to the state through Moreh from the across border and later the goods in demand had been passed through either the two NH 39 and 53 passing in the state or by air from Imphal after smuggling from Moreh. The gem smugglers from across the border have close links with...

NEW DELHI, Oct 27 ? Expectations of repeal of the controversial IMDT Act have been dashed to the ground with the Union Cabinet today approving retention of the Act in the present form. The Union Cabinet?s decision was in line with the stand of the Congress Party on the Act and was taken to clarify its stand in the Supreme Court where the validity of the Act was challenged.

?The Union Cabinet today approved the retention of the IMDT Act 1983 and its application to the State of Assam in the present form,? the single paragraph resolution said putting to an end speculations that the UPA Government...

SHILLONG, Oct 26 ? The Khasi Students? Union (KSU) has reiterated its demand for the introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system into the State to check the unabated influx of outsiders and foreign nationals. At present, the north-eastern States of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland have the system of Inner-Line Permit, which according to the students? organisation of Meghalaya, is an important tool in checking illegal migration.

Talking to reporters, Union president Samuel Jyrwa said if the state government did not agree with the recommendations of the cabinet sub-committee...

ITANAGAR, Oct 26 ? Setong Sena was today re-elected Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh State Assembly with the Opposition BJP members abstaining the proceedings. Takar Marde was elected Deputy Speaker of the House.

Sena?s name was proposed by Atum Welly (Congress) and seconded by K Lowang (Independent) while Marde?s name was proposed by Lombo Tayeng (Cong) and seconded by J Kena (Independent).

IMPHAL, Oct 26 ? The Manipur Government has proposed to the North Eastern Council (NEC) for allocation of Rs 738.09 lakh from the NE funding agency?s 2004-05 annual plan outlay for utilisation in bamboo rehabilitation and re-plantation projects in Tamenglong district of Manipur where rodents have caused widespread devastation of bamboo plants and ripening paddy jhum fields.

The proposal was placed by the State Planning Department to the NEC Secretary detailing the destruction caused by the rodent menace on food crops after the phenomenon of flowering of bamboo plants through most part of the...