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NEW DELHI, March 7 — In a bid to capitalise on the ongoing peace talks with the NSCN (I-M), Centre has despatched Mizoram Chief Minister, Zoramthanga to Bangkok to open dialogue with pro-IM underground outfits including the NDFB, highly placed sources said. The development came at a time when name of former interlocutor, Swaraj Kaushal has again come into circulation as the next political negotiator for the Naga peace talks. The chief interlocutor, K Padmanabhiah may be on his way out with Centre looking for his successor.

Indications were that the Mizoram Chief Minister may have carried a...

AGARTALA, March 7 – Manik Sarkar-led Left Front Ministry was sworn-in today in a function at Rajbhawan. Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KM Seth administered the oath of secrecy to the new 18-member cabinet where dignitaries from all walks were present. After the swearing-in ceremony Chief Minister Manik Sarkar told newsmen that his Government’s priority are would be to develop agriculture and education sectors apart from others like infrastructure development. “We have to lift the standard of life of the people living under the BPL. And for this total development in Agriculture sector is needed’ the...

KOHIMA, March 7 — From a student leader to a trusted lieutenant of Nagaland’s longest serving Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio has seen many ups and downs in his illustrious political career which led him to occupy the top political post in the insurgency-prone state. For the 53-year-old Rio, the ninth Chief Minister of the state, it has been a long road to success since his days as a student leader in 1974.

Son of Guolhulie Rio of Tuophema village in Kohima district and belonging to the Angami Naga tribe, Rio had his early education at various places including Sainik School in Purulia, West...

SHILLONG, March 7— The ‘so-called crisis’ in the Meghalaya ministry blew over today with UDP Legislature Party leader Dr Donkupar Roy being appointed the Deputy Chief Minister besides being given the plum portfolio of Finance as a bonus. Earlier this morning, a delegation of the UDP, which is the main ally of the Congress in the four day-old Meghalaya Democratic Allies coalition ministry met the Chief Minister D D Lapang and expressed their dissatisfaction over the distribution of portfolios to the UDP members.

Shillong, March 7: In a knee-jerk reaction to the United Democratic Party’s threat to pull out of the coalition government, Meghalaya chief minister D.D. Lapang today not only made UDP Legislature Party leader Donkupar Roy his deputy but also handed over the finance ministry to him.

Addressing newsmen, Lapang said the decision to “keep the coalition partners happy” was taken at a meeting held this morning, referring to the “breakfast do” at Congress president S.C. Marak’s house.

Lapang also hinted that he might give up other portfolios like revenue, planning and industries to ensure that his...