SHILLONG, Aug 22 ? Close on the heels of being pulled up by the Centre for failing to set up a State commission for women, the Meghalaya Government has processed the setting up of a forum to address key issues relating to women, including violence against the fairer sex. The Union Minister for Women and Child Development Kanti Singh on August 12 last in New Delhi came down heavily on seven States, including Meghalaya, for their failure to constitute State commissions for women.

State Social Welfare Minister Martle Mukhim said he had instructed the State Social Welfare department to prepare...

AGARTALA, Aug 22 ? Two MLAs of Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) had a narrow escape when insurgents of the banned National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT-BM) fired on their vehicle at Ratannagar area of Dhalai district, police said today. Rabindra Debbarma, MLA and general secretary of the INPT, along with legislator Rajeswsar Debbarma were on their way to Tuichakma village in the district for party work yesterday when NLFT-BM faction militants hiding in jungle fired at their vehicles, police said.

The security personnel escorting the duo retaliated and the covoy managed to...

GUWAHATI, Aug 22 ? The Buddhist community of the region has expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of harassment and persecution of Buddhist tribals by militants and security forces alike in the remote locations of Arunachal Pradesh. The twin militant outfits, NSCN(IM) and NSCN(K) have demanded annexation of land from the Buddhist and other indigenous faith followers of Rima Putak, Thikhak Putak, Motongsa and Longchong villages in Tirap ? Changlang district in Arunachal Pradesh and issued a decree for their conversion to Christianity. The militant outfits have left the villagers with...

GUWAHATI, Aug 22 ? Watershed management possesses a plethora of dimensions, but if executed with care, it would not merely minimise the havoc of floods, but more significantly, would help improve the ecological state of a particular region. Sound watershed management practices, however, require precise scientific data, and a dispassionate attitude.

This perception was elaborated at the ?Seminar on International Year of Fresh Water,? organised by the UNESCO Association, in the city today. The seminar specifically dealt with issues related with water resources and watershed management, an area...

NEW DELHI, Aug 22 ? Rattled by the belligerent mood of the rival faction, the a group of MLAs has started a signature campaign in support of Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi. Amidst intense politicking among State Congressmen, a delegation of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) headed by the Chief Minister and Party president Bhubaneswar Kalita. met AICC president, Sonia Gandhi for what was described as a courtesy call after yesterday?s AICC session.

But no business was discussed and the group left after a photo opportunity. But the mood in the rival Congress faction was anything but cordial...