The East Khasi Hills district magistrate has prohibited any operations in quarries near Mawsmi-Shella road and Shillong-Cherra road with immediate effect, fearing heavy landslides. The order issued under Section 144 CrPC said rains coupled with operation on quarries might result in heavy landalides and blockade of roads mentioned above. The order also said operating quarries on the above stretch of roads might endanger human life.

Two CRPF jawans were killed in Meghalaya recently. CRPF sources informed that the convoy was fired upon by unidentified miscreants while it was going to Tura in Meghalaya from Assam. Several other jawans were also injured in the the attack.

Tony Pertin and Tanya Devi were appointed the general secretaries of the Arunachal Congress. The appointment was made by Kamen Ringu, who has taken over as president of Arunachal Congress recently.

Atul C. Marak has been chosen by the Meghalaya PCC to fight from the Tura Parliamentary constituency against former Lok Sabha speaker and expelled Congress leader P. A. Sangma.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has appealed to the people to stand by the armed forces in their fight against the infiltrators in Kargil.Mr. Sarkar, in his address at the Chief Ministers' conference convened by the Prime Minister, opposed intervention by any third party in resolving the Kashmir issue.On the activities of the ISI, Mr. Sarkar, stated that it was helping infiltrators crossing the Line of Control (LoC).

Five front coaches of the New Delhi-Guwahati Brahmaputra Mail derailed immediately after the train left Gour Malda station in Malda district. However, no one was injured.

Divisional Railway Manager M. Ushad said the mishap occured because of slippery track following rains.Passengers of the derailed bogies were accommodated in other trains.

The Mizoram Government has expressed its resentment over the fact that there is no Mizo judge in the Gauhati High Court. Talking to reporters recently, Mizoram Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Information and Public Relations Minister F. Malsawma termed it as 'highly discriminating', and added that judges representating all North-Eastern States were now posted in Gauhati High Court.

Mr. Malsawma alleged that there had been no regular sitting of the High Court in Mizoram to dispose of cases concerning his State. He said that 76 criminals as well as civil law suits were pending in the Gauhati High Court. The Minister said that he had met the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court recently and urged him to hold a Division Bench at Aizawl for speedy disposal of the cases.

PM pats Mizoram CM

The Mizoram's Government's effort to ensure speedy economic development in the State has come in for praise from Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, a press note issued by the CM secretariat claimed. The recent visit of the Prime Minister and top officials from Delhi and the Central team's recommendations to allocate more fund to the State over and above the annual plan outlay were indicator of the satisfaction of the Central Government, the release added.

About 160 people were killed in attacks by various insurgent groups in Manipur last year, an army release said. Extremists also extorted an estimated amount of Rs. 100 crore from the people during the period including funds allotted for 5th National Games, the release claimed. The release further claimed that the people in general were not happy with the state of affairs although they were unable to protest against such subversive activities owing to fear of life. The statement of the Army emphasised on raising the voice of protest against the acts of killings and extortions to restore peace and bring about prosperity and development in the State.

Bandh hits normal life in Manipur

Normal life in Manipur was paralysed following a 48-hour bandh called by the North East Students Coordination Committee on Manipur identity.

The call for the bandh in Manipur as well as in areas with Manipuri settlement in Assam and Tripura was given to press fulfillment of the demand for deleting 'Manipuri' as prefix or suffix to Bishnupriya, which has since been recognised as a medium of instruction at primary level. Not only the students' organisations, but also the Manipur Government took exception to the decision of Tripura and Assam Government to recognise the Bishnupriya as Bishnupriya Manipuri.

Sitting Rajya Sabha member and former AGP president Parag Chaliha died recently after brief illness.

'Dree', one of the major festivals of Apatani tribes of Arunachal Pradesh was celebrated recently with traditional enthusiasm and religious fervour.

Speaking at a function marking the harvest festival, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Mukut Mithi called upon the people to preserve, promote and rejuvenate the cultural mosaic of the State. Mr. Mithi also said that his Government had proposed to the Planning Commission for assistance in creating a common cultural complex at the State capital so that all major tribes of the State could perform their festivals.

The Centre has approved Rs. 20 crore under the basic minimum need programme to help the State to provide elementary amenities including potable water and primary education.