Imphal, Feb. 2: Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh today renewed his appeal to all militant outfits in the state to step forward and hold talks with the government for lasting peace and a healthy economy.

Addressing a peace rally in Imphal West, he said investors shy away from the state due to its insurgency-related problems. Extortion, abduction and demanding ransom to release hostages have hampered work in the multipurpose irrigation and power projects in the state, he said.

The chief minister said nearly 20 militant outfits are operating in Manipur, but the figure is far less in the...

Feb. 2: The NSCN (I-M) has flayed Nagaland chief minister S.C. Jamir for his recent statement that the outfit?s leaders had virtually accepted Indian citizenship by using Indian passports to travel to the country.

Jamir had reportedly said Swu and Muivah had visited New Delhi as ?good Indian citizens with valid Indian passports?.

?While the visit of the collective leadership to India has proved meaningful in enhancing mutual trust and confidence that is most essential for resolving the Indo-Naga conflict, such a statement is totally irrelevant and nonsense,? a statement by the insurgent group...

GUWAHATI, Feb 2 ? The Centre has released funds for several prestigious projects in Assam from its non-lapsable pool of resources. The money has been released recently following sustained pressure from the State Government and the personal initiative of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Minister of State for Planning and Development, Himanta Biswa Sarma announced today.

Sarma, who was addressing mediapersons here today, said that over Rs 100 crore has already been made available by the Centre while the State Government is trying to procure some more funds. He rubbished allegations that the State...

NEW DELHI, Feb 2 ? The war of words between Nagaland Chief Minister S C Jamir and the NSCN (I-M) hotted up yesterday with the latter taking exception to the former?s reported statement that its leaders Isak and Muivah came to Delhi as ?good Indian citizens with valid Indian passport.?

?While the visit of the collective leadership to India has been proved meaningful in enhancing mutual trust and confidence that is most essential for resolving of the Indo-Naga conflict, such kind of statement is totally irrelevant and nonsense,? a statement from the insurgent group said.

The collective...

GANGTOK, Feb 1 ? Vice-chairman of the banned National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) Dhiren Boro and his three accomplices, who were arrested at Sikkim on New Year?s day, were taken to Assam for further investigation and trial. Sikkim Police DIG (Range) SD Negi said Boro, his wife Pratima and two accomplices were taken to Assam by train on Thursday by a team of Assam Police. ?The NDFB leader will be tried there and may be brought back hereto Sikkim if the court needs them,? Negi said. Boro along with the three was arrested here from a rented house by a team of Sikkim Police and booked...