Indigenous Peoples Forum Wants Talks With Assam CM

Haflong wears a deserted look during the Dima Hasao bandh on Monday Haflong, May 18 : The Indigenous Peoples Forum today announced that it was ready to sit for talks with Dispur for a democratic solution to their demands for a separate autonomous council. The secretary of the IPF, A. Langthang, said a team of non-Dimasas representing the forum, would move Dispur soon to meet chief minister...

Assam Focuses on Plastic Industry

By Supratim Dey Kolkata/ Guwahati, May 18 : With the Assam Gas Cracker Project, also known as the Brahmaputra Crackers and Polymers Ltd (BCPL), due to come up by 2012, the Assam government has put its focus on promoting and attracting plastic-based downstream industries. For the state, coming up of downstream industries in large numbers as a result of the Gas Cracker Project would not only...

Manipur CM 'Disregarding Hmar People' HTP

Tuithraphai, May 18 :  ‘Killer, Now Savior’ but still a killer to many other Hill tribes in Manipur especially the tribes living and using National Highway 150 as their lifeline. And Below is a release from Hmar Tlawmngai Pawl Date: May 18, 2010 Subject: Open Letter to CM of Manipur in regards to NH-150 To, Mr. Ibobi Singh Chief Minister of Manipur Sir, We, the Hmar Tlawmngai...

60 Hour NC Hills Strike – Only Goats Around

Haflong, May 18 : Deserted street looks during the 60-hour ‘NC Hills District Bandh' called by North Cachar Hills Indigenous Students' Forum demanding bifurcation of the district at Haflong, northeastern Indian state of Assam on May 17, 2010. The bandh has been called to demand the bifurcation of North Cachar Hills district which was recently renamed as Dima Hasao district causing resentment...

Delhi Sleeps While Manipur Burns

By Tarun Vijay Manipur is on fire today. Terrorist organizations demand secession from India , local tribal conflicts, and a total collapse of the civil administration has turned the state into a virtual hell. Yet Delhi  does not seem to care, notes Tarun Vijay. Manipur must be amongst the most beautiful states of India with green hills, flowery valleys and vast clean water lakes mesmerizing...

Heavy Metal Legend Ronnie James Dio Dead at 67

Legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio has died at the age of 67. The rocker, who replaced Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath, was suffering from stomach cancer. Dio told revealed he had contracted the disease last summer, shortly after wrapping up a U.S. tour with the latest incarnation of Sabbath, 'Heavem & Hell'. 'Today my heart is broken,' Wendy Dio wrote on the singer's site, adding...

Rima Fakih : Lebanese Immigrant becomes first Muslim woman to be crowned Miss U.S.A.

A 24-year-old Lebanese immigrant has been crowned Miss U.S.A. Rima Fakih, from Dearborn, Michigan, is believed to be the first Muslim to win the pageant despite nearly stumbling over in her evening gown last night. Born in Lebanon, she emigrated with her parents to the U.S. as a baby. She was raised in New York and attended a Catholic school. Winner takes all: Lebanese immigrant Rima Fakih is...

Sandra Diaz-Twine: Survives

Office assistant Sandra Diaz-Twine overcame her fellow villains, 27-year-old former boxer Parvati Shallow and 37-year-old oil company owner Russell Hantz, to win the $1 million grand prize on "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains," Sunday, May 16, 2010. (CBS/Monty Brinton) Sandra Diaz-Twine was voted the winner of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” and took home the $1 million prize on Sunday’s three -hour...