Lafarge's India-Bangladesh Cement Project Remains Frozen

Project backed by World Bank and Asian Development Bank has been questioned over impact on indigenous community By Julien Bouissou The conveyor belt leading to the Lafarge cement plant. Photograph: Alam Beg Imtiaz/Interspeed/Lafarge Four years after operations started Lafarge's gigantic limestone mine in Meghalaya state, northeast India, is still at a standstill, pending a decision by India's...

Tsukti Longkumer, an Inspirational Entrepreneur of Nagaland

By Peter Chachei Kohima, Aug 20 : Tsukti Longkumer, an upcoming hotelier from Nagaland, is an inspiration for the youth in the region, as he has shown them the way to be self-reliant. At the young age of 18, Longkumer started a catering business in Mokokchung town. And, today at 32 he is a successful entrepreneur. He owns an eight-room lodge called 'Whispering Winds' situated at the highest point...

Mizoram to Have Cancer Hospital Soon

Aizawl, Aug 20 : Prompted by high incidence of cancer in Mizoram, the state government is planning to set up a 200-bed cancer hospital in the city. Mizoram's own Regional Cancer Centre would be upgraded to a 200-bedded hospital to meet the local requirement, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said here today. ''The Regional Cancer Centre that we have will be upgraded and equipped with the latest technology...

Hunter Quits Hunting, Earns Praise

Aizawl, Aug 20 : A hunter bidding farewell to hunting today earned kudos from Mizoram Environment and Forest Minister H Rohluna, who felt that the awareness to protect wildlife was on the rise. Interacting with mediapersons, Mr Rohluna said he welcomed the act of the seasoned hunter, M C Zathuama of South Lungpher village in southern Mizoram, who has given up his 20-year-long trade of hunting and...

Efforts on to Hold Talks With Naga Groups: Chidambaram

Solution should assure Nagas dignity, equal rights Centre cannot overreach State government New Delhi, Aug 20 : Underlining the Centre's initiative for resolving the imbroglio affecting Manipur, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Thursday while assuring the Lok Sabha that the territorial integrity of the State would not be affected, offered to hold talks with the agitated Naga groups and amend...

Gorlosa on Fast For Release

Jewel Gorlosa and (right) Niranjan Hojai being produced in court in Guwahati on Thursday. Guwahati, Aug 20 : DHD (J) chairman Jewel Gorlosa and commander-in-chief Niranjan Hojai will launch an indefinite hunger strike from tomorrow to demand the immediate release of all jailed leaders and cadres of the outfit, including themselves. Hojai, who was produced in court here today along with Gorlosa...

'Change in AFSPA Only After Consulting Everybody'

New Delhi, Aug 19 : Amid demands for scrapping of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Home Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday said his ministry has proposed amendments to it but these could be effected only after consultations with all concerned. He also ruled out division of Manipur as demanded by some Naga groups on the ground that pluralistic character of states cannot...

Assam Rifles Commanders Meet Underway

Shillong, Aug 19 : A two-day conference of the Assam Rifles commanders began today which is will focus on key policy, conceptual and doctrinal issues in light of prevailing and developing security environment in the Northeast. Chaired by its Director General Lt Gen Karan Singh Yadava, the meet at Assam Rifles headquarters here, is being attended by all commanders and senior officers of the...