GUWAHATI, May 16? A bitter rivalry is slowly developing between the ULFA and the NSCN (IM) following the recent killing of an ULFA cadre at the hands of the NSCN(IM) in Nagaland. And at a time when the North-east is passing through violence and ethnic unrest, this certainly bodes ill for the future.

Revealing this, intelligence sources said the ULFA which has for long been a close ally of the NSCN (K), a sworn enemy of the NSCN(IM), used to maintain a distance with the NSCN (IM), without never really coming into a direct confrontation so far. Similarly, the NSCN (IM) too normally...

Shillong, May 16: Meghalaya chief minister D.D. Lapang is finding it increasingly difficult to keep his flock together with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) going all out to woo the Congress? partners in the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance.

The frequency of meetings between the NCP and the constituents of the coalition, particularly the United Democratic Party, has increased over the past two days.

Even former chief minister F.A. Khonglam, who holds the revenue portfolio in the two-monthold ministry and is known to be close to Lapang, does not rule out the possibility of joining...

Jotsoma (Kohima), May 16: In what could come as a surprise to states like Manipur, the Naga Hoho today struck a chord on accommodation and love for neighbours.

Speaking at a function of the Naga National Council (Panger) here today, a senior Hoho leader Krurovi Peseyie said reconciliation is the key for settling the Naga political issue. ?We should be accommodative towards the interests of neighbouring states,? he said, without naming the states. Peseyie said love, combined with a sincere approach, can resolve any problem.

The demand for the integration of all the Naga-inhabited areas under...

GUWAHATI, May 15 — In a joint operation, police and the Army have tracked down a deputy commander in-chief of the banned NDFB undergoing treatment at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Downtown Hospital here. Police sources said the NDFB leader, identified as Ajay Brahma alias self-styled major B Olongbar, has not been arrested yet as he is severely ill, but is being kept under strict surveillance.

Police said the militant has been undergoing treatment at the hospital under the assumed name of Nirmal Bodo since May 9. All along police was suspecting his presence, but it was confirmed only...

GUWAHATI, May 15 — With the BJP-led NDA government determined to go ahead with the disinvestment of government shares in the public sector Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), the future of the Assam Accord Numaligarh Refinery in which BPCL controls 63.3 per cent equity is shrouded in uncertainty.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Members of Parliament from the State concerned at the development have already urged upon the Union Petroleum Minister Ram Naik to safeguard the status of the Accord refinery as a public sector unit (PSU). Expressing apprehension that delay in taking timely action...