NEW DELHI, March 22: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) today summoned Assam Government officials to Delhi to join the ongoing negotiations to resolve the Bodo tangle. The state government officials are expected to present the Assam Government views on the issue, when they join the talks in the next couple of days. The Assam Government was contacted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) this afternoon, following narrowing down of differences between the Union government and the Bodo leadership. Accordingly, two senior officials of the state government including the Commissioner, Tribal Affairs...

IMPHAL, March 22: Manipur Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam today blamed the Assam Oil division of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) for trying to "escape" from their responsibility of supplying fuel to the state. Referring to the impasse between the government and transporters of petroleum products over compensation to 15 oil tankers damaged in recent rebel attacks, Koijam said the onus for paying compensation lay with the IOC as the tankers were hired by the corporation. He, however, said the government was ready to provide security to the IOC for transportation of petrol, diesel and kerosene. The...

GUWAHATI, March 22: After lying low for sometime, the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) seems to be regrouping again with the ensuing polls in mind. According to intelligence reports, a group of about 40 to 50 hardcore members of the outfit, headed by senior leader Drishti Rajkhowa have already come down from their camps in Bhutan, highly placed police sources said. Police said that according to information available, one group has taken shelter in the Goalpara-Meghalaya bordering areas, and five members of that group were killed in a recent encounter with the Meghalaya police. Another...

SHILLONG, March 22: Assam Rifles, the oldest central para-military force in the country is celebrating its 166th raising day with a six-day programme at its headquarters here, reports UNI. Popularly known as 'the sentinels of the Northeast' and 'friends of the hill people' the programme of the Assam Rifles began here on March 30 with a wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial at Happy Valley by Meghalaya Governor M M Jacob. The programme was followed by an investiture ceremony. Assam Rifles is the only force in the country which is the recipient of three Ashok Chakra Class-I, the highest...

IMPHAL, March 19: The Manipur University, the only university in Manipur faces a serious threat to its developmental activities due to financial constraints. The University falls short of its target for want of adequate resources. The grants-in-aid received from the State government are too meagre even to meet the salary and salary components of the employees. The University has not been able to make payment of salaries in time. Its classes are also disrupted by the frequent strike calls given by the students, staffs and even teachers of the University. The University has also failed to extend...