NEW DELHI, May 11 ? The Naga Consultation Meet endorsing the ongoing peace talks between the Government of India and NSCN (I-M) has, concluded with a clarion call to all Nagas to come forward to support the peace process to ensure solution of the political problem. The four-day meeting that ended on a positive note is likely to ensure continuation of the ceasefire and the political negotiations. It was convened by the NSCN (I-M) and attended by 73 delegates representing various Naga organisations including the all-powerful Naga Ho-ho, church leaders, social workers, besides special invitees...

GUWAHATI, May 11 ? The Forest Department with cooperation from the district administration and police, today resumed the eviction drive in the Batahghuli forest area in the outskirts of the area from early this morning and official sources asserted that the drive would continue in the next few days. After receiving stiff resistance from the people on May 9, the forest officials along with magistrates and police launched the drive at 6 am today and in the whole day, about 140 houses including a number of concrete structures, were demolished. Three elephants were also pressed into service to...

GUWAHATI, May 10? The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is actively considering an assistance of Rs 2000 crore (400 US $ million) to Assam. This was stated by Frank J Polman, Country Director of the Bank, during the concluding session of the three-day meeting of the officials of the ADB and the Government of Assam on May 10 which was chaired by the Chief Minister of Assam, stated an official press release. The delegation had visited Assam as a follow up of their fruitful visit to the State in December 2001. One of their visit objectives was to finalise the Country Assistance Program for India for...

Imphal, May 10: About sixty surrendered militants gheraoed the chief minister?s bungalow this afternoon, for around three hours, demanding implementation of their promised rehabilitation package. The ex-militants, most of whom have been lodged at barracks in Imphal west and east police station, congregated at the front gate of the chief minister?s residence at around 1 pm. The onetime militants, having affinity with different valley based proscribed groups, were hoping to address their grievances to the chief minister, O Ibobi and urge him to actuate the government?s promises for their...

Imphal, May 10: Even though political parties have been harping on modernizing the security forces of the state, the government has failed to utilize the funds for the past some years under the Security Related Expenses (SRE) sponsored by the Centre. An officials source said out of the released amount by the Centre the State had to return back Rs 19.43 crore during the year 1998-99, Rs 3.44 crore during 1999-2000, Rs 14.17 crore during 200-2001 and Rs r crore during 2001-2002. The total amount comes to a staggering Rs 41.08 crore. The scheme has been allotted to the state for purchasing new...