KOHIMA, July 2 ? Senior leaders of the Issac-Muivha faction of NSCN, which entered into a ceasefire with the Centre in August 1997, have stressed strengthening the current Naga peace process by bringing about understanding and reconciliation among different underground groups, reports PTI. AK Lungalang, newly appointed ?kilo kilonser? (home minister) of the underground outfit, said NSCN (I-M) would explore all possibilities to spread awareness to strengthen the ongoing peace process. It was fully committed to unity and reconciliation within the ?parameters of national principles,? he said.

Lu...

GUWAHATI, July 2 ? Former Finance Minister of the State Jiba Kanta Gogoi, who was till date an MLA representing Khumtai Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC) in the State Assembly, died at the International Hospital here around 11.45 this morning following a protracted illness. He was 62.

Sri Gogoi, the fifth of the six sons of Late Gandharam Gogoi and Late Jaya Gogoi of Khumtai, also served as the Speaker of the State Assembly for about one and half year, since July 29, 1991. He was elected from Khumtai in 1983, 1991 and 2001. In 1983, he was made a Minister of State for Industries by Late...

NEW DELHI, July 2? Assam Government is likely to constitute an expert committee to examine the entire gamut of issues involv-ing encroachment of forest land in the State and formulate an Action Plan. This was conveyed at the Congress party?s Manifesto Review Committee meeting here this morning by Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi. The meeting was attended by Dr. Manmohan Singh, AICC general secretary in-charge for Assam, Mohsina Kidwai, general secretary, Oscar Fernandes besides Assam Congress chief, Paban Singh Ghatowar, took stock of the implementation of the promises made by Congress party in...

Imphal, July 02: Peeved at the Government’s failure to frame a rehabilitation package for surrendered militants, a section of the former militants have today threatened to commit a serial suicide if the Government fails to announce a proper rehabilitation package during the Monsoon session of the State Assembly. Speaking to reporters at the Commando Barrack near Minuthong today, representatives of the ex-UGs questioned why the Government was not providing proper rehabilitation to the former militants who have surrendered to the call of both the State and the Central Government to return to the...

DIMAPUR, July 2 ? Elizabeth Belho of the 66 Nagaland Girls (I) Coy NCC, Kohima, has become the first Naga lady paratrooper. Indian Air Force (Paratrooper Training School, Agra) has awarded her a certificate to this effect. Elizabeth has successfully completed a month-long Advanced Mountaineering Course from the Darjeeling based Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Securing the ?All Round First Rope? 2nd position in the cross-country on successful completion of training of rock climbing, glacier training (snow craft), she was also awarded the ?Advance badge,? according to the NCC sources. She...