Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday inaugurated a major National Highway project in Nagaland and laid a foundation stone for 14 other NH projects with a cost of about Rs 4,127 crores.

According to the official press release, Gadkari virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 15 National Highways projects in Nagaland today. These NH Projects have a length of about 266 km involving a cost of about Rs 4,127 crores.

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Nagaland Chief Minister Nephi Rio was also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari stated that Union Government is committed to the development of North East and Nagaland and informed that 667 km were added to the NH network in Nagaland during the last 6 years, which depicts the growth of nearly 76 per cent.

"The NH network in the State today has been extended to 1,547 km up from 880.68 km till 2014", he added.

The Union Minister said that almost all districts in Nagaland now have been connected except a few, to a robust network of National Highways.

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Gadkari requested the Chief Minister to urgently send the estimates for Land and Damage Compensation in respect of Kohima Bypass. He also informed that National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited has taken up two-laning of Kohima-Mao road in Nagaland, and the civil work has already been awarded on September 30, 2020.

Chief Minister Rio requested the Union Minister to consider the development of foothill roads in the State. Gadkari informed that the same is under consideration. He also raised the issue of Dimapur-Kohima Road, called as the lifeline of Nagaland.

Gadkari responded that work is in progress and 70-80 per cent of work on this road has been completed. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has undertaken rigorous efforts to bring the projects on track and expedite the progress of work. Gadkari also urged the Chief Minister to further review the NH works to resolve the issue.

Regarding 26.25 km Kohima-Mao road for which the foundation stone was laid on Friday, Gadkari informed that this stretch is also an important part of Asian Highway (AH-1) connecting to Myanmar as it will greatly improve connectivity of Kohima city to Manipur border.

It is also important for socio-economic progress of Nagaland, he said and added that better roads will help improve the growth of industry and trade and marketing of local products from various resources like bamboo etc.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday inaugurated a major National Highway project in Nagaland and laid a foundation stone for 14 other NH projects with a cost of about Rs 4,127 crores.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday inaugurated a major National Highway project in Nagaland and laid a foundation stone for 14 other NH projects with a cost of about Rs 4,127 crores. According to the official press release, Gadkari virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 15 National Highways projects in Nagaland today. These NH Projects have a length of about 266 km involving a cost of about Rs 4,127 crores. Also read| World is watching India for safe and cheap vaccine: PM Modi Nagaland Chief Minister Nephi Rio was also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari stated that Union Government is committed to the development of North East and Nagaland and informed that 667 km were added to the NH network in Nagaland during the last 6 years, which depicts the growth of nearly 76 per cent. "The NH network in the State today has been extended to 1,547 km up from 880.68 km till 2014", he added. The Union Minister said that almost all districts in Nagaland now have been connected except a few, to a robust network of National Highways. Also read| US approves sale of USD 90 mn worth of military equipment and services to India Gadkari requested the Chief Minister to urgently send the estimates for Land and Damage Compensation in respect of Kohima Bypass. He also informed that National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited has taken up two-laning of Kohima-Mao road in Nagaland, and the civil work has already been awarded on September 30, 2020. Chief Minister Rio requested the Union Minister to consider the development of foothill roads in the State. Gadkari informed that the same is under consideration. He also raised the issue of Dimapur-Kohima Road, called as the lifeline of Nagaland. Gadkari responded that work is in progress and 70-80 per cent of work on this road has been completed. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has undertaken rigorous efforts to bring the projects on track and expedite the progress of work. Gadkari also urged the Chief Minister to further review the NH works to resolve the issue. Regarding 26.25 km Kohima-Mao road for which the foundation stone was laid on Friday, Gadkari informed that this stretch is also an important part of Asian Highway (AH-1) connecting to Myanmar as it will greatly improve connectivity of Kohima city to Manipur border. It is also important for socio-economic progress of Nagaland, he said and added that better roads will help improve the growth of industry and trade and marketing of local products from various resources like bamboo etc.

Nitin Gadkari inaugurates NH projects worth Rs 4,127 crore in Nagaland

'The Church of Almighty God' is a group that originally started from China and claims to have thousands of followers.&nbsp;It believes that Jesus Christ has returned to the Earth in the form of a Chinese woman.&nbsp;

The Christian cult is now banned in China, and is trying to make in-roads in India.

The Nagaland Baptist church in India is raising an alarm as there are reports that the cult is&nbsp;already active in the northeast and&nbsp;is steadily gaining followers through social media — platforms such&nbsp;as&nbsp;WhatsApp and YouTube.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinese-female-jesus-cult-a-new-threat-for-india-323081/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) as shot off a warning. This is the central organization of nearly 1,500 Baptist churches in Nagaland.&nbsp;They claim that this cult is connecting with people across India and are targeting the youth digitally.&nbsp;

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The group has been described as a radical group.&nbsp;It aggressively promotes doomsday scenarios and claims that Jesus has returned as a woman in China.&nbsp;

According to one report, people with limited education and family problems, especially women, are potential recruits for this cult.&nbsp;

It is a violent movement, and is&nbsp;also known as the Eastern Lightning Cult. It has been linked with more than 100 incidents of violence.&nbsp;

The origins of this cult can be traced back to 1991.&nbsp;Scholars identified a woman called Yang Xiangbin. Not a lot is known about her, except for the fact that she was born in northwestern China.&nbsp;

This cult says Jesus Christ has returned in the form of Yang Xiangbin. However, the church leaders in Nagaland have called all these claims to be falsehoods. They have said that this goes against the Christian faith.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-blocks-chinese-firms-bid-to-buy-major-dairy-firm-322972">Also read|&nbsp;Australia blocks Chinese firm's bid to buy major dairy firm</a>

In recent years, China has clamped down aggressively on this cult, and has banned it in China. Its members have been subjected to harsh punishment.&nbsp;Reports suggest&nbsp;they were banned from using mobile phones, watching television or even reading fiction.&nbsp;

True to China's style, the clampdown has been relentless, especially since 2014 when&nbsp;five members of this group tried to recruit a woman at a McDonalds outlet in the Shandong province.&nbsp;When she refused, the group beat her to death.&nbsp;The five accused were caught and tried before a judge.&nbsp;They were found guilty — two members were sentenced to death and the rest were sent to jail.

Such treatment is not unique to this group. China clamps down on religion&nbsp;because it is officially atheist.&nbsp;The Chinese state wants citizens to know and follow only one religion — the Communist Party of China. So,&nbsp;it made an example out of the Church of Almighty God and&nbsp;continues to crush all forms of Christianit or Islam.&nbsp;

Reports say, the Church of Almighty God now operates underground in China and thrives&nbsp;behind computer screens.&nbsp;The whereabouts of members are not known. Although, followers have emerged in the US and few European countries.

'The Church of Almighty God' is a group that originally started from China and claims to have thousands of followers. It believes that Jesus Christ has returned to the Earth in the form of a Chinese woman.

'The Church of Almighty God' is a group that originally started from China and claims to have thousands of followers. It believes that Jesus Christ has returned to the Earth in the form of a Chinese woman. The Christian cult is now banned in China, and is trying to make in-roads in India. The Nagaland Baptist church in India is raising an alarm as there are reports that the cult is already active in the northeast and is steadily gaining followers through social media — platforms such as WhatsApp and YouTube. The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) as shot off a warning. This is the central organization of nearly 1,500 Baptist churches in Nagaland. They claim that this cult is connecting with people across India and are targeting the youth digitally. Also read| Economic distancing: Chinese companies face debts in post-pandemic world The group has been described as a radical group. It aggressively promotes doomsday scenarios and claims that Jesus has returned as a woman in China. According to one report, people with limited education and family problems, especially women, are potential recruits for this cult. It is a violent movement, and is also known as the Eastern Lightning Cult. It has been linked with more than 100 incidents of violence. The origins of this cult can be traced back to 1991. Scholars identified a woman called Yang Xiangbin. Not a lot is known about her, except for the fact that she was born in northwestern China. This cult says Jesus Christ has returned in the form of Yang Xiangbin. However, the church leaders in Nagaland have called all these claims to be falsehoods. They have said that this goes against the Christian faith. Also read| Australia blocks Chinese firm's bid to buy major dairy firm In recent years, China has clamped down aggressively on this cult, and has banned it in China. Its members have been subjected to harsh punishment. Reports suggest they were banned from using mobile phones, watching television or even reading fiction. True to China's style, the clampdown has been relentless, especially since 2014 when five members of this group tried to recruit a woman at a McDonalds outlet in the Shandong province. When she refused, the group beat her to death. The five accused were caught and tried before a judge. They were found guilty — two members were sentenced to death and the rest were sent to jail. Such treatment is not unique to this group. China clamps down on religion because it is officially atheist. The Chinese state wants citizens to know and follow only one religion — the Communist Party of China. So, it made an example out of the Church of Almighty God and continues to crush all forms of Christianit or Islam. Reports say, the Church of Almighty God now operates underground in China and thrives behind computer screens. The whereabouts of members are not known. Although, followers have emerged in the US and few European countries.

Radical Chinese Christian cult active in Northeast India: Reports

The opposition NPF has withdrawn from the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF) on the Naga political issue, stating that it has failed to make any progress to resolve the imbroglio.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Naga Peoples Front (NPF) legislature party held at the residence of opposition leader TR Zeliang at Dimapur on Tuesday.

The NPF, however, asserted that it would continue to be "active facilitators" towards an early resolution of the issue.

The NPF played an active role in resolving the Naga political issue at various stages for the last 23 years, stated a resolution adopted at the meeting.

It also volunteered to be part of the JLF with the ardent hope that the efforts rendered towards the cause would be carried forward in letter and spirit, it said.

However, since it was reconstituted on September 18, 2018, JLF has failed to make any progress due to the half-hearted approach of the present-day Government, it added.

The NPF lamented that the JLF has become a mere forum without any tangible road-map for resolving the Naga political issue.

All members of the 60-seat assembly are part of the JLF.

The forum also has a 20-member core committee, comprising of five NPF MLAs.

Maintaining that the signing of the Framework Agreement between the NSCN (IM) and Centre in August 2015, and the Agreed Position between the NNPGs and the Centre in November 2017 created a conducive atmosphere for the JLF to assist the peace process, the NPF claimed that the grouping's meetings were convened only to be followed by inaction on the part of the current state government, rendering it to be an ineffective forum.

With utmost sincerity, legislators of the Naga Peoples Front had put forth its proposition in almost all the JLF meetings that members in the forum should call upon the Prime Minister of India, the Home Minister of India and other Central leaders in order to urge them in bringing the long pending Naga political issue to a logical conclusion.

However, the proposal has failed to see the light of the day till date, it claimed.

The NPF claimed that on August 5, Rio along with Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was called to Delhi by Home Minister Amit Shah and they left for the national capital the next day on a chartered flight.

They met Shah on the same day, it claimed.

While the Chief Minister of Nagaland on his return maintained an eerie silence on what transpired in the meeting, it was learnt from the Finance Minister of Assam through his interactions with the media that the meeting was in regard to bringing about permanent peace in the NE region and that the Government of India was keen on resolving the Naga issue.

The silence of the Chief Minister is best known to him alone, it said.

Further, the NPF stated that even as October 31, 2019 was made the deadline for a conclusion on the Naga political issue, the state government paid the least attention in convening a JLF meeting before that despite appeals.

"The supplication fell on deaf ears and therefore, the NPF legislature party delegation, along with some party central office bearers proceeded to Delhi on October 28, 2019 and met leaders of the 7 NNPGs and the NSCN (IM) on October 29 and 30, 2019 respectively," it said.

There was a positive response from both the groups and subsequently, on the evening of October 31, 2019, it was informed that both the parties had arrived at a mutual understanding, it added.

The party said that when the ruling dispensation does not have confidence in the legislators of the NPF, there is no valid reason why it should continue to remain a part of the JLF.

The NPF's decision to pull out of the JLF comes amid attacks by the NSCN-IM on Nagaland Governor and interlocutor for peace talks R N Ravi.

The opposition NPF has withdrawn from the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF) on the Naga political issue, stating that it has failed to make any progress to resolve the imbroglio.

The opposition NPF has withdrawn from the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF) on the Naga political issue, stating that it has failed to make any progress to resolve the imbroglio. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Naga Peoples Front (NPF) legislature party held at the residence of opposition leader TR Zeliang at Dimapur on Tuesday. The NPF, however, asserted that it would continue to be "active facilitators" towards an early resolution of the issue. The NPF played an active role in resolving the Naga political issue at various stages for the last 23 years, stated a resolution adopted at the meeting. It also volunteered to be part of the JLF with the ardent hope that the efforts rendered towards the cause would be carried forward in letter and spirit, it said. However, since it was reconstituted on September 18, 2018, JLF has failed to make any progress due to the half-hearted approach of the present-day Government, it added. The NPF lamented that the JLF has become a mere forum without any tangible road-map for resolving the Naga political issue. All members of the 60-seat assembly are part of the JLF. The forum also has a 20-member core committee, comprising of five NPF MLAs. Maintaining that the signing of the Framework Agreement between the NSCN (IM) and Centre in August 2015, and the Agreed Position between the NNPGs and the Centre in November 2017 created a conducive atmosphere for the JLF to assist the peace process, the NPF claimed that the grouping's meetings were convened only to be followed by inaction on the part of the current state government, rendering it to be an ineffective forum. With utmost sincerity, legislators of the Naga Peoples Front had put forth its proposition in almost all the JLF meetings that members in the forum should call upon the Prime Minister of India, the Home Minister of India and other Central leaders in order to urge them in bringing the long pending Naga political issue to a logical conclusion. However, the proposal has failed to see the light of the day till date, it claimed. The NPF claimed that on August 5, Rio along with Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was called to Delhi by Home Minister Amit Shah and they left for the national capital the next day on a chartered flight. They met Shah on the same day, it claimed. While the Chief Minister of Nagaland on his return maintained an eerie silence on what transpired in the meeting, it was learnt from the Finance Minister of Assam through his interactions with the media that the meeting was in regard to bringing about permanent peace in the NE region and that the Government of India was keen on resolving the Naga issue. The silence of the Chief Minister is best known to him alone, it said. Further, the NPF stated that even as October 31, 2019 was made the deadline for a conclusion on the Naga political issue, the state government paid the least attention in convening a JLF meeting before that despite appeals. "The supplication fell on deaf ears and therefore, the NPF legislature party delegation, along with some party central office bearers proceeded to Delhi on October 28, 2019 and met leaders of the 7 NNPGs and the NSCN (IM) on October 29 and 30, 2019 respectively," it said. There was a positive response from both the groups and subsequently, on the evening of October 31, 2019, it was informed that both the parties had arrived at a mutual understanding, it added. The party said that when the ruling dispensation does not have confidence in the legislators of the NPF, there is no valid reason why it should continue to remain a part of the JLF. The NPF's decision to pull out of the JLF comes amid attacks by the NSCN-IM on Nagaland Governor and interlocutor for peace talks R N Ravi.

Naga Peoples Front withdraws from legislators' forum on Naga peace issue

Police in Nagaland have set up the north-eastern state's biggest quarantine facility managed by police personnel, a senior official said on Sunday.

The 1027-bed centre at Ganeshpur was set up to augment the state government's efforts to check coronavirus, Nagaland DGP T John Longkumer said.

A police team reached the Ganeshnagar Special Economic Zone under the Dhansiripar sub division in Dimapur on May 20 to assess, plan, organise and work out modalities to set up the facility, which was set up in a fortnight, he said.

Work began to institutionally quarantine stranded returnees from other states, Nagaland Police ADGP (Admin) Sandeep Tamgadge told PTI.

DIG (Training) Aotemsu headed the team of officers handling accommodation, power supply, sanitation, water supply, office and control room, security, logistics, catering and transport there, Tamgadge said.

"Personal comfort and the risk of inevitable exposure to coronavirus took a back seat and all police personnel got the quarantine centre ready in record time," the IPS officer said.

Altogether 640 police personnel, including officers, were on the ground when the process to build the centre began, Tamgadge said.

The first batch of 509 returnees from Bengaluru, including 383 men and 126 women, arrived at the quarantine centre on June 5, followed by returnees from Punjab, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

The Ganeshnagar centre is the biggest one in Nagaland to be built and managed by police for people of the state through the Community Oriented Police Service (COPS) initiative, he said.

A police medical team comprising doctors, nurses and other health Workers is stationed in the facility and attends to routine quarantine duties and other medical emergencies.

The team has also been tasked with sample collection and swab testings and operates the TrueNat system, approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research to conduct coronavirus tests.

"Nagaland police have always overcome challenges and during the unprecedented coronavirus situation also, we have performed our duties going beyond the task of normal policing and have not only enforced the lockdown but also secured the various quarantine centres in the state," John Longkumer said.

"We resurrected an old disused industrial complex by clearing thick jungle, installing water lines, bathrooms, providing electricity and even digging a 1.25 lakh litre pond to replenish water supply," the Nagaland police chief said.

Nagaland police are managing the quarantined persons, their testing, food, accommodation and medical facilities. "We thank the state government and civil society for helping us in this endeavour and imposing trust in our abilities," he said.

Police in Nagaland have set up the north-eastern state's biggest quarantine facility managed by police personnel, a senior official said on Sunday. The 1027-bed centre at Ganeshpur was set up to augment the state government's efforts to check coronavirus, Nagaland DGP T John Longkumer said.

Police in Nagaland have set up the north-eastern state's biggest quarantine facility managed by police personnel, a senior official said on Sunday. The 1027-bed centre at Ganeshpur was set up to augment the state government's efforts to check coronavirus, Nagaland DGP T John Longkumer said. A police team reached the Ganeshnagar Special Economic Zone under the Dhansiripar sub division in Dimapur on May 20 to assess, plan, organise and work out modalities to set up the facility, which was set up in a fortnight, he said. Work began to institutionally quarantine stranded returnees from other states, Nagaland Police ADGP (Admin) Sandeep Tamgadge told PTI. DIG (Training) Aotemsu headed the team of officers handling accommodation, power supply, sanitation, water supply, office and control room, security, logistics, catering and transport there, Tamgadge said. "Personal comfort and the risk of inevitable exposure to coronavirus took a back seat and all police personnel got the quarantine centre ready in record time," the IPS officer said. Altogether 640 police personnel, including officers, were on the ground when the process to build the centre began, Tamgadge said. The first batch of 509 returnees from Bengaluru, including 383 men and 126 women, arrived at the quarantine centre on June 5, followed by returnees from Punjab, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The Ganeshnagar centre is the biggest one in Nagaland to be built and managed by police for people of the state through the Community Oriented Police Service (COPS) initiative, he said. A police medical team comprising doctors, nurses and other health Workers is stationed in the facility and attends to routine quarantine duties and other medical emergencies. The team has also been tasked with sample collection and swab testings and operates the TrueNat system, approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research to conduct coronavirus tests. "Nagaland police have always overcome challenges and during the unprecedented coronavirus situation also, we have performed our duties going beyond the task of normal policing and have not only enforced the lockdown but also secured the various quarantine centres in the state," John Longkumer said. "We resurrected an old disused industrial complex by clearing thick jungle, installing water lines, bathrooms, providing electricity and even digging a 1.25 lakh litre pond to replenish water supply," the Nagaland police chief said. Nagaland police are managing the quarantined persons, their testing, food, accommodation and medical facilities. "We thank the state government and civil society for helping us in this endeavour and imposing trust in our abilities," he said.

Nagaland police set up, operate 1027-bed quarantine centre

In order to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, the Home department of Nagaland has mandated the use of face masks and hand sanitisers in all the public places.

The department had directed all the Deputy Commissioners to issue notices ensuring adherence to all preventive measures.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/incessant-rains-trigger-floods-in-nagaland-claim-2-lives-258523">Incessant rains trigger floods in Nagaland, claim 2 lives</a>

As per the precautionary measures advised by the Home department, people should use masks and hand sanitisers in all public places, people who are in contact with large numbers of people must wear masks, and all establishments must keep hand sanitizer for both personal and public use.

Further, a phone line to receive complaints from the public regarding higher prices of mask/hand sanitiser to be activated and widely publicised immediately.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nagaland-floods-pm-modi-takes-stock-of-situation-162946">Nagaland floods: PM Modi takes stock of situation</a>

In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, governments of various Indian states have taken several steps in an attempt to contain the deadly virus.

Till date, India has reported two deaths and 82 confirmed cases of the deadly coronavirus.

&nbsp;

In order to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, the Home department of Nagaland has mandated the use of face masks and hand sanitisers in all the public places.

In order to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, the Home department of Nagaland has mandated the use of face masks and hand sanitisers in all the public places. The department had directed all the Deputy Commissioners to issue notices ensuring adherence to all preventive measures. Also Read: Incessant rains trigger floods in Nagaland, claim 2 lives As per the precautionary measures advised by the Home department, people should use masks and hand sanitisers in all public places, people who are in contact with large numbers of people must wear masks, and all establishments must keep hand sanitizer for both personal and public use. Further, a phone line to receive complaints from the public regarding higher prices of mask/hand sanitiser to be activated and widely publicised immediately. Also Read: Nagaland floods: PM Modi takes stock of situation In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, governments of various Indian states have taken several steps in an attempt to contain the deadly virus. Till date, India has reported two deaths and 82 confirmed cases of the deadly coronavirus.

Use of face mask, hand sanitiser made compulsory in Nagaland

At a time when the Naga-peace talks between the Centre and the Naga groups have reached the final stage, six companies of Nagaland Armed Police deployed in once the hotbed of Maoists – Ayodhya hills in Purulia district of West Bengal - will be withdrawn for Nagaland’s internal security.

Ayodhya hills housed a 34-member platoon of elite People's Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA) members – the military component of CPI (Maoists), let alone a squad and saw the highest bloodshed between 2009-2010.

In 2009, Nagaland Armed Police troopers as a part of Indian Reserve Battalion were deployed in the Ayodhya hills of Purulia when joint operations were launched in Junglemahal – Left Wing Extremism (LWE) areas of West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura districts.&nbsp;

The Naga troopers were deployed almost a decade ago in the Ayodhya hills because of their ambush-handling techniques.

The recent MHA order, which asks the West Bengal government to release the six companies of the Naga troopers, will be re-deploying the troops in the home state of Nagaland ahead of the signing of the Naga-peace accord anticipating violence sponsored by militant groups like NSCN (IM) and others opposing the accord.

Sources in the MHA say that the six companies will be withdrawn by the second week of December.&nbsp;

“The MHA has asked the CRPF, whose troops continue to be deployed in the LWE areas of West Bengal, to re-deploy in the Ayodhya hills in consultation with the state,” said a senior MHA official requesting anonymity.

A recent meeting held between the West Bengal Police officers and CRPF officials decided as a part of a temporary measure and prevent the Maoists to regroup in the Ayodhya hills, CRPF will be deploying two companies at two strategic locations on the hills.&nbsp;

Each of the CRPF companies will be withdrawn from Bankura and West Midnapore for redeployment at two locations on the Ayodhya hills – Muruguma and Kumari Kanan that work like access points for the hill top.

“Presently there are 17 companies of CRPF in West Bengal. We will be deploying two companies from our existing strength at these two locations in the Ayodhya hills,” said a CRPF official.

While it is yet to be decided whether the state police will be deploying Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) – a force raised to combat Maoist activities and militancy in the state or State Armed Police (SAP) - West Bengal Police is likely to keep the security of the hill top location with them.

On the other hand, the West Bengal government has requested the MHA to reconsider its decision to withdraw the Naga troops from the Ayodhya hills which is known as a Maoist corridor joining Jharkhand and Odisha.

At a time when the Naga-peace talks between the Centre and the Naga groups have reached the final stage, six companies of Nagaland Armed Police deployed in once the hotbed of Maoists – Ayodhya hills in Purulia district of West Bengal - will be withdrawn for Nagaland’s internal security.

At a time when the Naga-peace talks between the Centre and the Naga groups have reached the final stage, six companies of Nagaland Armed Police deployed in once the hotbed of Maoists – Ayodhya hills in Purulia district of West Bengal - will be withdrawn for Nagaland’s internal security. Ayodhya hills housed a 34-member platoon of elite People's Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA) members – the military component of CPI (Maoists), let alone a squad and saw the highest bloodshed between 2009-2010. In 2009, Nagaland Armed Police troopers as a part of Indian Reserve Battalion were deployed in the Ayodhya hills of Purulia when joint operations were launched in Junglemahal – Left Wing Extremism (LWE) areas of West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura districts. The Naga troopers were deployed almost a decade ago in the Ayodhya hills because of their ambush-handling techniques. The recent MHA order, which asks the West Bengal government to release the six companies of the Naga troopers, will be re-deploying the troops in the home state of Nagaland ahead of the signing of the Naga-peace accord anticipating violence sponsored by militant groups like NSCN (IM) and others opposing the accord. Sources in the MHA say that the six companies will be withdrawn by the second week of December. “The MHA has asked the CRPF, whose troops continue to be deployed in the LWE areas of West Bengal, to re-deploy in the Ayodhya hills in consultation with the state,” said a senior MHA official requesting anonymity. A recent meeting held between the West Bengal Police officers and CRPF officials decided as a part of a temporary measure and prevent the Maoists to regroup in the Ayodhya hills, CRPF will be deploying two companies at two strategic locations on the hills. Each of the CRPF companies will be withdrawn from Bankura and West Midnapore for redeployment at two locations on the Ayodhya hills – Muruguma and Kumari Kanan that work like access points for the hill top. “Presently there are 17 companies of CRPF in West Bengal. We will be deploying two companies from our existing strength at these two locations in the Ayodhya hills,” said a CRPF official. While it is yet to be decided whether the state police will be deploying Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) – a force raised to combat Maoist activities and militancy in the state or State Armed Police (SAP) - West Bengal Police is likely to keep the security of the hill top location with them. On the other hand, the West Bengal government has requested the MHA to reconsider its decision to withdraw the Naga troops from the Ayodhya hills which is known as a Maoist corridor joining Jharkhand and Odisha.

Amidst Naga-peace talks, Nagaland Armed Police companies to be withdrawn from once Maoist hotbed 

The four-day-long incessant rains throughout Nagaland has caused floods in Dimapur district and the rainfall has claimed two lives in two separate incidents in Dimapur and Phek districts, which has also caused extensive damage in many parts of the state.

The residents of Domokhia village found their houses submerged in knee-deep waters. The rains still continue to lash the higher reaches of the state.

On Diwali, the civil administration requisitioned the services of the Army and Assam Rifles to rescue the stranded villagers.

The combined team of Assam Rifles, Army and Civil administration reached the spot by afternoon and by evening all locals were evacuated safely to the relief camp established at the government school in the village on Sunday.

The locals were provided food by the troops of Assam Rifles and the relief camp was provided lighting arrangements and drinking water facilities too.

(With inputs from ANI)

The four-day-long incessant rains throughout Nagaland has caused floods in Dimapur district and the rainfall has claimed two lives in two separate incidents in Dimapur and Phek districts, which has also caused extensive damage in many parts of the state.

The four-day-long incessant rains throughout Nagaland has caused floods in Dimapur district and the rainfall has claimed two lives in two separate incidents in Dimapur and Phek districts, which has also caused extensive damage in many parts of the state. The residents of Domokhia village found their houses submerged in knee-deep waters. The rains still continue to lash the higher reaches of the state. On Diwali, the civil administration requisitioned the services of the Army and Assam Rifles to rescue the stranded villagers. The combined team of Assam Rifles, Army and Civil administration reached the spot by afternoon and by evening all locals were evacuated safely to the relief camp established at the government school in the village on Sunday. The locals were provided food by the troops of Assam Rifles and the relief camp was provided lighting arrangements and drinking water facilities too. (With inputs from ANI)

Incessant rains trigger floods in Nagaland, claim 2 lives

An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale struck the eastern region of Myanmar on Monday morning, which caused tremors in Nagaland.

The quake in Myanmar took place at around 8:19 am at a depth of 80 km, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

No casualty or damage to property was reported.

Tremors measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale were felt in Nagaland.

The quake occurred at around 8:20 am, 132 km east of Tuensang in Nagaland, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

Nagaland is prone to earthquakes.

An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale struck the eastern region of Myanmar on Monday morning, which caused tremors in Nagaland. The quake in Myanmar took place at around 8:19 am at a depth of 80 km, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale struck the eastern region of Myanmar on Monday morning, which caused tremors in Nagaland. The quake in Myanmar took place at around 8:19 am at a depth of 80 km, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). No casualty or damage to property was reported. Tremors measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale were felt in Nagaland. The quake occurred at around 8:20 am, 132 km east of Tuensang in Nagaland, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). Nagaland is prone to earthquakes.

Earthquake hits eastern Myanmar, tremors felt in Nagaland

An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter Scale on Friday evening hit Arunachal Pradesh. However, no casualties have been reported so far.

The epicentre of the quake was located at a depth of 64 km at northeast of Bomdila of West Kameng district in the state, according to USGS Big Quakes.&nbsp;

Tremors were also felt in some parts of Assam, Dimapur in Nagaland among other areas. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property.

Meanwhile, at least 37 people have lost their lives till now in floods and two landslide incidents in Assam. Approximately 53,52,107 people have been affected in 4,128 villages across 28 districts of the state. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter Scale on Friday evening hit Arunachal Pradesh. However, no casualties have been reported so far. The epicentre of the quake was located at a depth of 64 km at northeast of Bomdila of West Kameng district in the state, according to USGS Big Quakes.

An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter Scale on Friday evening hit Arunachal Pradesh. However, no casualties have been reported so far. The epicentre of the quake was located at a depth of 64 km at northeast of Bomdila of West Kameng district in the state, according to USGS Big Quakes. Tremors were also felt in some parts of Assam, Dimapur in Nagaland among other areas. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property. Meanwhile, at least 37 people have lost their lives till now in floods and two landslide incidents in Assam. Approximately 53,52,107 people have been affected in 4,128 villages across 28 districts of the state. (With inputs from agencies)

Earthquake hits Arunachal Pradesh; tremors felt in Assam, Nagaland

The armies of India and Myanmar carried out a three-week-long coordinated operation from May 16 in their respective border areas, targeting several militant groups operating in Manipur, Nagaland and Assam, defence sources said on Sunday.

India, Myanmar armies target militants of north-eastern states in coordinated operation

Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the counting of votes for the lone Lok Sabha seat in Nagaland and by-election to Aonglenden Assembly constituency on Thursday, a top election official has said.

Polling for the Lok Sabha seat and Aonglenden bye-poll was held simultaneously on April 11.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Abhijit Sinha said on Tuesday that there would be three-tier security cordon on the day of counting.

The first and second tier security cordon would be manned by the district executive force, state police and Indian Reserve Battalion personnel and the third and last tier close to the counting hall would be manned by Central Armed Police Force personnel, he said.

The path that would be taken for transportation of EVMs from the strong rooms to the counting halls have been delineated and barricaded and it would be under CCTV coverage, the CEO said.

The counting will commence at 8 am on Thursday in 19 halls in 12 centres for the Lok Sabha polls while counting of votes for the bye-poll will be&nbsp; 
conducted in one hall in Mokokchung district, he said.

The CEO said after completion of last round of counting of votes recorded in the EVM control units of an Assembly segment, there would be mandatory verification of VVPAT paper slips of randomly selected five polling stations of that Assembly segment.

These five polling stations would be selected through a draw of lots by the concerned Assistant Returning Officer in the presence of candidates or their agents and the Observers and counting of VVPATs would be done in a sequential manner.

The lone parliamentary seat in the state witnessed a four-cornered contest between ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) nominee Tokheho Yepthomi, Congress candidate K L Chishi, Hayithung Tungoe of the National People's Party (NPP) and Independent candidate Dr M M Thromwa Konyak.

Tokheho is seeking re-election for the Lok Sabha seat.

The bye-poll to Aonglenden Assembly constituency under Mokokchung district was a straight contest between the Congress nominee Alemjongshi Longkumer and Sharingain Longkumer of ruling NDPP.

The by-poll was necessitated following the demise of sitting ruling MLA Imtikumzuk in September last year.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the counting of votes for the lone Lok Sabha seat in Nagaland and by-election to Aonglenden Assembly constituency on Thursday, a top election official has said.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the counting of votes for the lone Lok Sabha seat in Nagaland and by-election to Aonglenden Assembly constituency on Thursday, a top election official has said. Polling for the Lok Sabha seat and Aonglenden bye-poll was held simultaneously on April 11. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Abhijit Sinha said on Tuesday that there would be three-tier security cordon on the day of counting. The first and second tier security cordon would be manned by the district executive force, state police and Indian Reserve Battalion personnel and the third and last tier close to the counting hall would be manned by Central Armed Police Force personnel, he said. The path that would be taken for transportation of EVMs from the strong rooms to the counting halls have been delineated and barricaded and it would be under CCTV coverage, the CEO said. The counting will commence at 8 am on Thursday in 19 halls in 12 centres for the Lok Sabha polls while counting of votes for the bye-poll will be conducted in one hall in Mokokchung district, he said. The CEO said after completion of last round of counting of votes recorded in the EVM control units of an Assembly segment, there would be mandatory verification of VVPAT paper slips of randomly selected five polling stations of that Assembly segment. These five polling stations would be selected through a draw of lots by the concerned Assistant Returning Officer in the presence of candidates or their agents and the Observers and counting of VVPATs would be done in a sequential manner. The lone parliamentary seat in the state witnessed a four-cornered contest between ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) nominee Tokheho Yepthomi, Congress candidate K L Chishi, Hayithung Tungoe of the National People's Party (NPP) and Independent candidate Dr M M Thromwa Konyak. Tokheho is seeking re-election for the Lok Sabha seat. The bye-poll to Aonglenden Assembly constituency under Mokokchung district was a straight contest between the Congress nominee Alemjongshi Longkumer and Sharingain Longkumer of ruling NDPP. The by-poll was necessitated following the demise of sitting ruling MLA Imtikumzuk in September last year.

Lok sabha polls 2019: Tight security arrangements for counting of votes in Nagaland

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, saying the citizenship bill is not applicable to the state as it is protected under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution.&nbsp;

A Cabinet meeting, chaired by Rio, on Friday asserted that the state is protected under provisions of Article 371 (A) and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) as per Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, (BEFR) of 1873, a release issued by the Chief Minister's Office said Sunday.

The article deals with special provisions with respect to Nagaland.&nbsp;

It states that no act of Parliament with respect to religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, ownership and transfer of land and its resources, shall apply to the state unless the Legislative Assembly by a resolution so decides.

The Cabinet deliberated on the matter in view of the citizenship bill being passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8 and its consequent impact on Nagaland and other north-eastern states.

The state Cabinet, during the meeting, also decided to appeal to the Centre to have wider consultations with all north-eastern states to ensure that rights of indigenous people are fully protected.

The Cabinet decided to re-affirm all provisions of Article 371 (A) and to strengthen the implementation of the ILP as per BEFR of 1873 that will also be taken up in the next session of the state assembly.

The release stated that as per the Cabinet decision, the chief minister has also written a letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, conveying the concern and apprehension of the people of Nagaland regarding the bill, the release said.

The letter says the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, even if enacted, will not be applicable to Nagaland in view of the Article 371 (A) that guarantees the Nagas their way of life un-interfered by any Parliamentary enactment, unless the Legislative Assembly by a resolution so decides, it said.

The citizenship bill provides for according Indian citizenship to the Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India, instead of 12 years currently, even if they do not possess any document.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, saying the citizenship bill is not applicable to the state as it is protected under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, saying the citizenship bill is not applicable to the state as it is protected under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution. A Cabinet meeting, chaired by Rio, on Friday asserted that the state is protected under provisions of Article 371 (A) and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) as per Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, (BEFR) of 1873, a release issued by the Chief Minister's Office said Sunday. The article deals with special provisions with respect to Nagaland. It states that no act of Parliament with respect to religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, ownership and transfer of land and its resources, shall apply to the state unless the Legislative Assembly by a resolution so decides. The Cabinet deliberated on the matter in view of the citizenship bill being passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8 and its consequent impact on Nagaland and other north-eastern states. The state Cabinet, during the meeting, also decided to appeal to the Centre to have wider consultations with all north-eastern states to ensure that rights of indigenous people are fully protected. The Cabinet decided to re-affirm all provisions of Article 371 (A) and to strengthen the implementation of the ILP as per BEFR of 1873 that will also be taken up in the next session of the state assembly. The release stated that as per the Cabinet decision, the chief minister has also written a letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, conveying the concern and apprehension of the people of Nagaland regarding the bill, the release said. The letter says the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, even if enacted, will not be applicable to Nagaland in view of the Article 371 (A) that guarantees the Nagas their way of life un-interfered by any Parliamentary enactment, unless the Legislative Assembly by a resolution so decides, it said. The citizenship bill provides for according Indian citizenship to the Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India, instead of 12 years currently, even if they do not possess any document.

Citizenship bill not applicable to Nagaland as state protected under Article 371(A): CM to Rajnath Singh

The entire state of Nagaland has been declared "disturbed area" for six more months, till June-end, under the controversial AFSPA, which empowers security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without any prior notice.

In a notification, the Home Ministry said the central government is of the opinion that the area comprising the whole of state of Nagaland is in such a disturbed and dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of civilian power is necessary.

"Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (No. 28 of 1958), the central government hereby declares that whole of the said state to be a 'disturbed area' for a period of six months with effect from 30th December, 2018, for the purpose of that Act," the notification said.

A home ministry official said the decision to continue the declaration of Nagaland as "disturbed area" has been taken as killings, loot and extortion have been going on in various parts of the state which necessitated the action for the convenience of the security forces operating there.

There have been demands from various organisations in the Northeast as well as in Jammu and Kashmir for repealing the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which, they say, gives "sweeping powers" to security forces.

The AFSPA has been in force in Nagaland for several decades. It has not been withdrawn even after a framework agreement was signed on August 3, 2015 by Naga insurgent group NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and government interlocutor R N Ravi in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The framework agreement came after over 80 rounds of negotiations spanning 18 years with the first breakthrough in 1997 when the ceasefire agreement was sealed after decades of insurgency in Nagaland.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The entire state of Nagaland has been declared "disturbed area" for six more months, till June-end, under the controversial AFSPA, which empowers security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without any prior notice.

The entire state of Nagaland has been declared "disturbed area" for six more months, till June-end, under the controversial AFSPA, which empowers security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without any prior notice. In a notification, the Home Ministry said the central government is of the opinion that the area comprising the whole of state of Nagaland is in such a disturbed and dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of civilian power is necessary. "Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (No. 28 of 1958), the central government hereby declares that whole of the said state to be a 'disturbed area' for a period of six months with effect from 30th December, 2018, for the purpose of that Act," the notification said. A home ministry official said the decision to continue the declaration of Nagaland as "disturbed area" has been taken as killings, loot and extortion have been going on in various parts of the state which necessitated the action for the convenience of the security forces operating there. There have been demands from various organisations in the Northeast as well as in Jammu and Kashmir for repealing the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which, they say, gives "sweeping powers" to security forces. The AFSPA has been in force in Nagaland for several decades. It has not been withdrawn even after a framework agreement was signed on August 3, 2015 by Naga insurgent group NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and government interlocutor R N Ravi in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The framework agreement came after over 80 rounds of negotiations spanning 18 years with the first breakthrough in 1997 when the ceasefire agreement was sealed after decades of insurgency in Nagaland.

Entire Nagaland declared 'disturbed' for six more months under AFSPA

Counting of votes in&nbsp;4 Lok Sabha bypoll seats began on Thursday morning. The bypolls were held on Monday in Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, Palghar and Bhandara-Gondiya in Maharashtra and in a single seat in Nagaland.

After taking an early lead through postal ballots,&nbsp;BJP's&nbsp;Mriganka Singh is now trailing against&nbsp;RLD's&nbsp;Tabassum Hasan&nbsp;by over 8,000 votes.

After leading in Bhandara-Gondiya, BJP is now trailing against NCP in Maharashtra's Bhandara-Gondiya by 3,000 votes.&nbsp;

In Palghar, BJP's Gavit Rajendra Dhedya is leading by over 10,000 votes against&nbsp;Shiv Sena.

The high profile Kairana seat has all political pandits transfixed with BJP's Mriganka Singh, daughter of late BJP MP Hukum Singh pitted against Rashtriya Lok Dal's (RLD) Tabassum Hasan with the Opposition Congress, Samajwadi Party and BSP providing support on the ground.

A victory for RLD would be seen as strengthing of the federal front after its victory in Karnataka&nbsp;Assembly elections recently and in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur seats in Uttar Pradesh earlier.

The voter turnout in Kairana was 54 per cent amid complaints of Electronic Voting Machine(EVM) Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail(VVPAT) malfunction which led the Election Commission to order repoll in 73 booths.

Malfunctioning of EVMs was also reported in Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. The BJP and NCP are locked in a bitter battle in the crucial Maharashtra seats.

The lone seat in Nagaland had reported 70 per cent polling with the People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) battling the NDPP and the BJP.

Malfunctioning of EVMs was also reported in Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.

Counting of votes in 4 Lok Sabha bypoll seats began on Thursday morning. The bypolls were held on Monday in Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, Palghar and Bhandara-Gondiya in Maharashtra and in a single seat in Nagaland. After taking an early lead through postal ballots, BJP's Mriganka Singh is now trailing against RLD's Tabassum Hasan by over 8,000 votes. After leading in Bhandara-Gondiya, BJP is now trailing against NCP in Maharashtra's Bhandara-Gondiya by 3,000 votes. In Palghar, BJP's Gavit Rajendra Dhedya is leading by over 10,000 votes against Shiv Sena. The high profile Kairana seat has all political pandits transfixed with BJP's Mriganka Singh, daughter of late BJP MP Hukum Singh pitted against Rashtriya Lok Dal's (RLD) Tabassum Hasan with the Opposition Congress, Samajwadi Party and BSP providing support on the ground. A victory for RLD would be seen as strengthing of the federal front after its victory in Karnataka Assembly elections recently and in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur seats in Uttar Pradesh earlier. The voter turnout in Kairana was 54 per cent amid complaints of Electronic Voting Machine(EVM) Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail(VVPAT) malfunction which led the Election Commission to order repoll in 73 booths. Malfunctioning of EVMs was also reported in Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. The BJP and NCP are locked in a bitter battle in the crucial Maharashtra seats. The lone seat in Nagaland had reported 70 per cent polling with the People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) battling the NDPP and the BJP.

Live Lok Sabha bypolls: BJP's Mriganka Singh trails in Kairana; NCP leads in Bhandara-Gondiya

In a big setback to the ruling BJP, opposition parties on Thursday won two out of four Lok Sabha seats strengthening non-BJP unity in the run-up to the 2019 general elections. BJP retained one seat and its ally Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) won the Nagaland Lok Sabha bypoll.

With prestige at stake in every single bypoll, the BJP was seen losing the high-profile Kairana Lok Sabha seat in politically important Uttar Pradesh to a united Opposition after a communally-charged election campaign, while similar appeared the result for Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha constituency in Maharashtra, as per the trends and results announced by the Election Commission.

United opposition&nbsp;candidate Rashtriya Lok Dal's Tabassum Hasan, who was supported by the Congress, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party,&nbsp;won the Kairana seat by a margin of 44,618 votes

However, the BJP retained another Lok Sabha seat from Maharashtra, Palghar, where it had faced a challenge from its own ally Shiv Sena but the Opposition could not pose a united fight. BJP's Rajendra Gavit won the seat, defeating Shiv Sena's Shrinivas Wanaga by 29574 votes.

The fourth Lok Sabha seat, Nagaland, for which bypoll was held earlier this week appeared to be going in favour of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), a BJP allly in the northeastern state.

The results appeared more slanted against the BJP after taking into account the parties that had won these seats before bypolls were necessitated. While the BJP alliance was seen retaining two Lok Sabha seats -- one in Maharashtra and another in Nagaland -- it failed to retain two others -- UP's Kairana and Maharashtra's Palghar.

Commenting on the results, senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said one has to take two steps backward before a big leap.

Asked about the BJP's performance in these by-elections ahead of next year's general polls, Singh said, "For a massive leap, one always has to go two steps backward."

"We are going to take a massive leap," he added.

AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal latched onto the bypoll results to attack the BJP and said it reflects the anger against the Modi government.

The trends from UP showed the biggest electoral upset for the BJP with the joint opposition candidate, RLD's Tabassum Hasan, leading by a big margin in Kairana Lok Sabha constituency.

&nbsp;The seat fell vacant following the death of the BJP candidate Mriganka Singh's father, Hukum Singh.

Rashtriya Lok Dal's Tabassum Hasan, supported by the Congress, Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, established an early lead over Mriganka Singh right from the beginning to establish an almost invincible lead by noon.

In Maharashtra, the BJP retained Palghar but was staring at defeat in the Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha constituency, which the BJP had won in the 2014 elections. The NCP's Madhukar Kukade was leading over the BJP's Hemant Patel, as per latest trends.&nbsp;

The announcement of results was not without controversies. While repolling was held in few polling booths due to EVMs failures, on the counting, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said that said that there were some discrepancies in counting and appealed to the Election Commission to announce the results after those discrepancies are sorted out. However, Election Commission rejected the request and issued the victory certificate to the BJP candidate, Rajendra Gavit.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)&nbsp;

The BJP retained another Lok Sabha seat from Maharashtra, Palghar, where it had faced a challenge from its own ally Shiv Sena

In a big setback to the ruling BJP, opposition parties on Thursday won two out of four Lok Sabha seats strengthening non-BJP unity in the run-up to the 2019 general elections. BJP retained one seat and its ally Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) won the Nagaland Lok Sabha bypoll. With prestige at stake in every single bypoll, the BJP was seen losing the high-profile Kairana Lok Sabha seat in politically important Uttar Pradesh to a united Opposition after a communally-charged election campaign, while similar appeared the result for Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha constituency in Maharashtra, as per the trends and results announced by the Election Commission. United opposition candidate Rashtriya Lok Dal's Tabassum Hasan, who was supported by the Congress, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, won the Kairana seat by a margin of 44,618 votes However, the BJP retained another Lok Sabha seat from Maharashtra, Palghar, where it had faced a challenge from its own ally Shiv Sena but the Opposition could not pose a united fight. BJP's Rajendra Gavit won the seat, defeating Shiv Sena's Shrinivas Wanaga by 29574 votes. The fourth Lok Sabha seat, Nagaland, for which bypoll was held earlier this week appeared to be going in favour of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), a BJP allly in the northeastern state. The results appeared more slanted against the BJP after taking into account the parties that had won these seats before bypolls were necessitated. While the BJP alliance was seen retaining two Lok Sabha seats -- one in Maharashtra and another in Nagaland -- it failed to retain two others -- UP's Kairana and Maharashtra's Palghar. Commenting on the results, senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said one has to take two steps backward before a big leap. Asked about the BJP's performance in these by-elections ahead of next year's general polls, Singh said, "For a massive leap, one always has to go two steps backward." "We are going to take a massive leap," he added. AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal latched onto the bypoll results to attack the BJP and said it reflects the anger against the Modi government. The trends from UP showed the biggest electoral upset for the BJP with the joint opposition candidate, RLD's Tabassum Hasan, leading by a big margin in Kairana Lok Sabha constituency. The seat fell vacant following the death of the BJP candidate Mriganka Singh's father, Hukum Singh. Rashtriya Lok Dal's Tabassum Hasan, supported by the Congress, Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, established an early lead over Mriganka Singh right from the beginning to establish an almost invincible lead by noon. In Maharashtra, the BJP retained Palghar but was staring at defeat in the Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha constituency, which the BJP had won in the 2014 elections. The NCP's Madhukar Kukade was leading over the BJP's Hemant Patel, as per latest trends. The announcement of results was not without controversies. While repolling was held in few polling booths due to EVMs failures, on the counting, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said that said that there were some discrepancies in counting and appealed to the Election Commission to announce the results after those discrepancies are sorted out. However, Election Commission rejected the request and issued the victory certificate to the BJP candidate, Rajendra Gavit. (With PTI inputs)

Lok Sabha bypoll results: Opposition snatches Kairana from BJP, NCP wins Bhandara-Gondiya

Around 44 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the first four hours of polling for Nagaland's lone Lok Sabha seat today.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio cast his vote at a polling booth at Touphema Basa village, around 25 km from the state capital, around 10 am, sources said.

The ruling People's Democratic Alliance (PDA), which has the NDPP and the BJP as its major constituents, has fielded former minister Tokheho Yepthomi from the seat.

Yepthomi is pitted against Opposition Naga People's Front (NPF) nominee C Apok Jamir. The Congress has also extended its support to Jamir.

Altogether 11,97,436 people are eligible to exercise their franchise at 2196 polling stations across the state, Nagaland Chief Electoral Officer Abhijit Sinha said.

Voting began at 7 AM and will go on till 4 PM in 1887 polling stations, while it will end an hour ahead in 309 booths, the CEO said.

"In 309 booths, set up in faraway places with barely any transportation facilities, the polling will end at 3 PM for the convenience of the election officials," he said.

Altogether, 40 companies of Central Armed Police Forces along with 80 companies of Nagaland Armed Police, 770 Home Guards and 2600 village guards have been deployed across the state to ensure free and fair polls, Sinha added.

The bypoll was necessitated after Rio, who is also the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) leader, resigned as a Lok Sabha member in February, days before the assembly polls. 
&nbsp

Altogether 11,97,436 people are eligible to exercise their franchise at 2196 polling stations across the state

Around 44 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the first four hours of polling for Nagaland's lone Lok Sabha seat today. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio cast his vote at a polling booth at Touphema Basa village, around 25 km from the state capital, around 10 am, sources said. The ruling People's Democratic Alliance (PDA), which has the NDPP and the BJP as its major constituents, has fielded former minister Tokheho Yepthomi from the seat. Yepthomi is pitted against Opposition Naga People's Front (NPF) nominee C Apok Jamir. The Congress has also extended its support to Jamir. Altogether 11,97,436 people are eligible to exercise their franchise at 2196 polling stations across the state, Nagaland Chief Electoral Officer Abhijit Sinha said. Voting began at 7 AM and will go on till 4 PM in 1887 polling stations, while it will end an hour ahead in 309 booths, the CEO said. "In 309 booths, set up in faraway places with barely any transportation facilities, the polling will end at 3 PM for the convenience of the election officials," he said. Altogether, 40 companies of Central Armed Police Forces along with 80 companies of Nagaland Armed Police, 770 Home Guards and 2600 village guards have been deployed across the state to ensure free and fair polls, Sinha added. The bypoll was necessitated after Rio, who is also the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) leader, resigned as a Lok Sabha member in February, days before the assembly polls.

Bypolls: Voting underway in Nagaland Lok Sabha seat, 44% turnout in first 4 hours

Nagaland under the new government has decided to do away with the VIP culture in the state.

The newly formed People&#39;s Democratic Alliance government of Nagaland led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has decided to end the VIP culture in the state in all its forms. The announcement has come at a time when there is growing resentment amongst the people against this culture.

&quot;We had committed in our manifesto that we will remove the VIP culture from the state. For us, the people are the masters and we assure the people of Nagaland that we will tirelessly work towards the achievement of the commitment given to the people in our manifesto&quot; said Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

According to the report released by the Nagaland Home Commissioner Abhishek Singh, government officials and functionaries were strictly instructed not to display anything except the vehicle registration number on the vehicles as per the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Act 1989.

Violators would face action under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988.

However, the ministers and MLAs will be provided appropriate colour coded car stickers to facilitate their movement.

Moreover, barring the Governor, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Speaker and Deputy, the use of pilots and security escorts by all the government functionaries has been banned within the capital city Kohima and Dimapur.

Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Sushil Kumar Patel and Nagaland Home Commissioner Abhishek Singh were among the first officials who did away with the names on their official vehicles and have requested others to follow suit.

It has also been decided to enhance and improve the security surveillance in the cities so that ministers and other functionaries need not use escorts and pilots within city limits.

The residents of Nagaland welcomed the verdict as a part of positive change in governance and renewed their hopes for a government that is finally committed to working for the welfare of the people.

The decisions and verdict are being seen as trendsetter for other parts of the country to follow.

The newly formed People's Democratic Alliance government of Nagaland led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has decided to end the VIP culture in the state in all its forms. The announcement has come at a time when there is growing resentment amongst the people against this culture

Nagaland under the new government has decided to do away with the VIP culture in the state. The newly formed People's Democratic Alliance government of Nagaland led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has decided to end the VIP culture in the state in all its forms. The announcement has come at a time when there is growing resentment amongst the people against this culture. "We had committed in our manifesto that we will remove the VIP culture from the state. For us, the people are the masters and we assure the people of Nagaland that we will tirelessly work towards the achievement of the commitment given to the people in our manifesto" said Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. According to the report released by the Nagaland Home Commissioner Abhishek Singh, government officials and functionaries were strictly instructed not to display anything except the vehicle registration number on the vehicles as per the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Act 1989. Violators would face action under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988. However, the ministers and MLAs will be provided appropriate colour coded car stickers to facilitate their movement. Moreover, barring the Governor, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Speaker and Deputy, the use of pilots and security escorts by all the government functionaries has been banned within the capital city Kohima and Dimapur. Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Sushil Kumar Patel and Nagaland Home Commissioner Abhishek Singh were among the first officials who did away with the names on their official vehicles and have requested others to follow suit. It has also been decided to enhance and improve the security surveillance in the cities so that ministers and other functionaries need not use escorts and pilots within city limits. The residents of Nagaland welcomed the verdict as a part of positive change in governance and renewed their hopes for a government that is finally committed to working for the welfare of the people. The decisions and verdict are being seen as trendsetter for other parts of the country to follow.

Nagaland to shun VIP culture: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-karti-chidambarams-cbi-custody-extended-by-3-days-34895" target="_blank">INX Media case: CBI custody of Karti Chidambaram extended by 3 days</a>

A special CBI Court on Tuesday extended the agency&#39;s custody of Karti Chidambaram by three more days in the infamous INX Media case, after his previous five-day custody expired today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-need-for-nuclear-weapons-if-we-have-security-guarantee-north-korea-34896" target="_blank">No need for nuclear weapons if we have security guarantee: North Korea</a>

North Korea is open to denuclearisation if the safety of Kim Jong Un&rsquo;s regime is guaranteed, a South Korean official said Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imposes-10-day-emergency-in-kandy-due-to-communal-tension-34868" target="_blank">Sri Lanka declares </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imposes-10-day-emergency-in-kandy-due-to-communal-tension-34868" target="_blank">emergency</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imposes-10-day-emergency-in-kandy-due-to-communal-tension-34868" target="_blank"> to quell Buddhist-Muslim riots, curfew imposed in Kandy</a>

Sri Lanka declared a nationwide state of emergency for 10 days on Tuesday to stop the spread of communal violence, a government spokesman said, after clashes erupted between majority Buddhists and members of the minority Muslim community.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neiphiu-rio-appointed-nagaland-chief-minister-by-governor-pb-acharya-34900" target="_blank">Neiphiu Rio appointed </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neiphiu-rio-appointed-nagaland-chief-minister-by-governor-pb-acharya-34900" target="_blank">c</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neiphiu-rio-appointed-nagaland-chief-minister-by-governor-pb-acharya-34900" target="_blank">hief</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neiphiu-rio-appointed-nagaland-chief-minister-by-governor-pb-acharya-34900" target="_blank"> minister of Nagaland</a>

Nagaland Governor PB Acharya has appointed Neiphiu Rio as chief minister under clause (1) of Article 164 of the Constitution.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-icicis-chanda-kochhar-axis-banks-shikha-sharma-summoned-by-sfio-34893" target="_blank">PNB scam: ICICI&#39;s Chanda Kochhar, Axis Bank&#39;s Shikha Sharma summoned by Serious Fraud Investigation Office</a>

ICICI Bank chief Chanda Kochhar and Axis Bank chief Shikha Sharma have been summoned by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) in connection with the over Rs 13,000-crore PNB scam.&nbsp;

INX Media case: CBI custody of Karti Chidambaram extended by 3 days A special CBI Court on Tuesday extended the agency's custody of Karti Chidambaram by three more days in the infamous INX Media case, after his previous five-day custody expired today. No need for nuclear weapons if we have security guarantee: North Korea North Korea is open to denuclearisation if the safety of Kim Jong Un’s regime is guaranteed, a South Korean official said Tuesday. Sri Lanka declares emergency to quell Buddhist-Muslim riots, curfew imposed in Kandy Sri Lanka declared a nationwide state of emergency for 10 days on Tuesday to stop the spread of communal violence, a government spokesman said, after clashes erupted between majority Buddhists and members of the minority Muslim community. Neiphiu Rio appointed chief minister of Nagaland Nagaland Governor PB Acharya has appointed Neiphiu Rio as chief minister under clause (1) of Article 164 of the Constitution. PNB scam: ICICI's Chanda Kochhar, Axis Bank's Shikha Sharma summoned by Serious Fraud Investigation Office ICICI Bank chief Chanda Kochhar and Axis Bank chief Shikha Sharma have been summoned by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) in connection with the over Rs 13,000-crore PNB scam.

WION Evening News Brief, March 6, 2018

Nagaland Governor PB Acharya has appointed Neiphiu Rio as chief minister under clause (1) of Article 164 of the Constitution.&nbsp;

The governor also asked Rio to prove his majority on the floor of the house on or before March 16, 2018.

Acharya also accepted the resignation submitted by former chief minister TR Zeliang, who had so far been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nagaland-cm-tr-zeliang-refuses-to-quit-34888" target="_blank">refusing to quit</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rio has been asked to prove his majority on the floor of the house on or before March 16

Nagaland Governor PB Acharya has appointed Neiphiu Rio as chief minister under clause (1) of Article 164 of the Constitution. The governor also asked Rio to prove his majority on the floor of the house on or before March 16, 2018. Acharya also accepted the resignation submitted by former chief minister TR Zeliang, who had so far been refusing to quit.

Neiphiu Rio appointed chief minister of Nagaland

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad hit out at the Congress saying that the entire banking system was out of control under the leadership of Economist&nbsp;Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

He also blamed the Congress&nbsp;for the&nbsp;PNB Scam&nbsp;saying that UPA helped&nbsp;Mehul Choksi&nbsp;in&nbsp;2014.

He added that the corruption was&nbsp;planted in the Congress regime.

Prasad also said that the Congress party has issues with technology since technology brings transparency.&nbsp;

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Under the so called economist Prime Minister Manomhan Singh, the entire banking system went haywire due to all kinds of interference with it: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad <a href="https://t.co/Uz0N1C3x5H">pic.twitter.com/Uz0N1C3x5H</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970604658665361409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Referring to the 80:20 Gold scheme, he said that the Congress must come clean in the loot. &nbsp;

He said &quot;There was a Scheme 80:20 introduced in August 2013 and repealed in November 2014. On 16th May 2014, the date of the declaration of results, the then Finance Minister gave &#39;aashirvaad&#39; to 7 private companies under 80:20 Scheme. One of those companies was Gitanjali.&quot;

He further said &quot;Chidambaram and Rahul Gandhi must answer why was this passed on the day of results to benefit these 7 private companies?

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Congress has been indulging in the politics of fear and confusion in the last 4 years: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad <a href="https://t.co/kRNuRMNbhd">pic.twitter.com/kRNuRMNbhd</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970603779807698944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Replying to the Congress&#39; accusations of corruption in Rafale deal, he said: &quot;&nbsp;It is very surprising that Congress party which is drowned in corruption in Bofors among other purchases of weapons system, is raising questions on Rafale deal&quot;.&nbsp; He added that Congress could not execute Rafale deal for 10 years.&nbsp;

Prasad claimed that not a single loan given&nbsp;under the BJP government is Non-performing Asset.&nbsp;

He said &quot;Time and again we have stated that not a single loan given under our government is NPA. In 2008, the total advance to people given by the banks was Rs 18.06 Lakh Crores. By March 2014 amount went up to Rs 52.15 Lakh Crore. The stressed asset identified out of this was only 36 per cent&quot;.

He added &quot;Now the stressed asset has risen to 82 per cent out of that advances made in the UPA government. This means for more than one occasions the correct data could not make it to the records of the banks under UPA government&quot;.&nbsp;

Speaking about the party&#39;s historic victory in Tripura he said the win was very difficult for the country.&nbsp;

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Tripura ki jeet desh ke liye ek bahut doorgaami jeet hai: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad <a href="https://t.co/RIVpAV0zm3">pic.twitter.com/RIVpAV0zm3</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970603067191291904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He said that they did not expect Congress to lose in North East where the party had a stronghold. However, the Congres&nbsp;lost in Tripura and Nagaland also.&nbsp;

He added that his party won in a region where 88 per cent&nbsp;population is majorly&nbsp;occupied by Christians.&nbsp;

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Congress UP, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kashmir mein haari. Hum ummid karte the ki North-East mein Cong ki pakad hai. Par Cong Tripura aur Nagaland mein 0. Nagaland mein BJP ne 20 candidates utare, aur 12 jeete. Hume 15% vote mile, aise pradesh mein jahan 88% Christians hain: RS Prasad <a href="https://t.co/ksqp6waYzZ">pic.twitter.com/ksqp6waYzZ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970610180093194240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad hit out at the Congress saying that the entire banking system was out of control under the leadership of Economist Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He added that the corruption was planted in the Congress regime

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad hit out at the Congress saying that the entire banking system was out of control under the leadership of Economist Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He also blamed the Congress for the PNB Scam saying that UPA helped Mehul Choksi in 2014. He added that the corruption was planted in the Congress regime. Prasad also said that the Congress party has issues with technology since technology brings transparency. Under the so called economist Prime Minister Manomhan Singh, the entire banking system went haywire due to all kinds of interference with it: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad pic.twitter.com/Uz0N1C3x5H — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 × Referring to the 80:20 Gold scheme, he said that the Congress must come clean in the loot. He said "There was a Scheme 80:20 introduced in August 2013 and repealed in November 2014. On 16th May 2014, the date of the declaration of results, the then Finance Minister gave 'aashirvaad' to 7 private companies under 80:20 Scheme. One of those companies was Gitanjali." He further said "Chidambaram and Rahul Gandhi must answer why was this passed on the day of results to benefit these 7 private companies? Congress has been indulging in the politics of fear and confusion in the last 4 years: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad pic.twitter.com/kRNuRMNbhd — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 × Replying to the Congress' accusations of corruption in Rafale deal, he said: " It is very surprising that Congress party which is drowned in corruption in Bofors among other purchases of weapons system, is raising questions on Rafale deal". He added that Congress could not execute Rafale deal for 10 years. Prasad claimed that not a single loan given under the BJP government is Non-performing Asset. He said "Time and again we have stated that not a single loan given under our government is NPA. In 2008, the total advance to people given by the banks was Rs 18.06 Lakh Crores. By March 2014 amount went up to Rs 52.15 Lakh Crore. The stressed asset identified out of this was only 36 per cent". He added "Now the stressed asset has risen to 82 per cent out of that advances made in the UPA government. This means for more than one occasions the correct data could not make it to the records of the banks under UPA government". Speaking about the party's historic victory in Tripura he said the win was very difficult for the country. Tripura ki jeet desh ke liye ek bahut doorgaami jeet hai: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad pic.twitter.com/RIVpAV0zm3 — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 × He said that they did not expect Congress to lose in North East where the party had a stronghold. However, the Congres lost in Tripura and Nagaland also. He added that his party won in a region where 88 per cent population is majorly occupied by Christians. Congress UP, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kashmir mein haari. Hum ummid karte the ki North-East mein Cong ki pakad hai. Par Cong Tripura aur Nagaland mein 0. Nagaland mein BJP ne 20 candidates utare, aur 12 jeete. Hume 15% vote mile, aise pradesh mein jahan 88% Christians hain: RS Prasad pic.twitter.com/ksqp6waYzZ — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 ×

Chidambaram helped Mehul Choksi in 2014: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Two days after results for assembly elections in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland were declared on Saturday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday broke his silence on the party&#39;s defeat and said he respects the mandate of people in the region.

Rahul appreciated the hard work of party workers who helped mount the Congress&#39;s poll campaign in the three states and said he is committed to winning back the trust of the North East people.

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The Congress party respects the mandate of the people of Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya. 
 
We are committed to strengthening our party across the North East and to winning back the trust of the people. 
 
My sincere thanks to each and every Congress worker who toiled for the party.
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/970577646869536768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Despite emerging the largest single party in Meghalaya with 21 seats, Congress, where it was in power, could not garner the support of regional outfits to cobble together a coalition government.

Meanwhile, NPP which became the single largest second party, received support from BJP and many other regional parties to form a non-Congress government in the state.&nbsp;

Top party leaders Ahmed Patel and Kamal Nath rushed to Shillong to talk to regional parties but to no avail.

The Congress also failed to score a single seat in Tripura and Nagaland.

Rahul also appreciated the hard work of party workers

Two days after results for assembly elections in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland were declared on Saturday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday broke his silence on the party's defeat and said he respects the mandate of people in the region. Rahul appreciated the hard work of party workers who helped mount the Congress's poll campaign in the three states and said he is committed to winning back the trust of the North East people. The Congress party respects the mandate of the people of Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya. We are committed to strengthening our party across the North East and to winning back the trust of the people. My sincere thanks to each and every Congress worker who toiled for the party. — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) March 5, 2018 × Despite emerging the largest single party in Meghalaya with 21 seats, Congress, where it was in power, could not garner the support of regional outfits to cobble together a coalition government. Meanwhile, NPP which became the single largest second party, received support from BJP and many other regional parties to form a non-Congress government in the state. Top party leaders Ahmed Patel and Kamal Nath rushed to Shillong to talk to regional parties but to no avail. The Congress also failed to score a single seat in Tripura and Nagaland.

Rahul Gandhi accepts defeat in NE, says Congress respects people's mandate

The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) chief Neiphiu Rio met Nagaland governor PB Acharya to stake claim to form the government on Sunday.

BJP-NDPP also submitted a list of elected candidates to the Nagaland governor.

NDPP leader Neiphiu Rio claimed the support of 32 MLAs in the state&#39;s 60-member Assembly.

This was accepted by Nagaland Governor PB Acharya, who said Neiphiu Rio had the majority and should form the government.

Acharya said he has asked Rio to submit signatures of all the 32 MLAs supporting him by tomorrow.

The NDPP and the BJP have won 18 and 12 seats respectively while the lone JD(U) MLA G Kaito Aye and Independent legislator Tongpang Ozukum were backing the alliance, NDPP secretary-general Abu Metha said.

Rio is a three-time chief minister of the state.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

NDPP leader Neiphiu Rio staked claim to form the government in Nagaland, declaring the support of 32 MLAs in the state's 60-member Assembly

The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) chief Neiphiu Rio met Nagaland governor PB Acharya to stake claim to form the government on Sunday. BJP-NDPP also submitted a list of elected candidates to the Nagaland governor. NDPP leader Neiphiu Rio claimed the support of 32 MLAs in the state's 60-member Assembly. This was accepted by Nagaland Governor PB Acharya, who said Neiphiu Rio had the majority and should form the government. Acharya said he has asked Rio to submit signatures of all the 32 MLAs supporting him by tomorrow. The NDPP and the BJP have won 18 and 12 seats respectively while the lone JD(U) MLA G Kaito Aye and Independent legislator Tongpang Ozukum were backing the alliance, NDPP secretary-general Abu Metha said. Rio is a three-time chief minister of the state. (With inputs from PTI)

NDPP's Neiphiu Rio stakes claim to form government in Nagaland

Speaking at the &quot;Youth Power Convention&quot; event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he always tries to meet more and more youth so that he can work according to their hopes and aspirations.&nbsp;

He said &quot; There is always something to learn from the conversations with young generation. Therefore, I always try to meet youth more and more, to talk to them, to listen to their experiences and to work according to their hopes &amp; aspirations&quot;.

He&nbsp;also talked about Atal Innovation Mission, introduced by the government, to convert&nbsp;ideas of school students into innovation.

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Innovation is the base of better future. To convert ideas of school students into innovation, government has introduced Atal Innovation Mission. More than 2,400 Atal Tinkering Labs have been approved across the country: PM Modi at &quot;Youth Power&quot; convention <a href="https://t.co/l8AyxsiBQe">pic.twitter.com/l8AyxsiBQe</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970183132547760128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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&quot;Vidyarthi Devo Bhava is not only yours, but our mantra as well. In fact, with your permission, I would like to add in it, &quot;Yuva Shakti Devo Bhava&quot;: PM Modi at &quot;Youth Power&quot; convention <a href="https://t.co/gjnaVjwWhP">pic.twitter.com/gjnaVjwWhP</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970184316742393856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Speaking at the event he said a huge change was seen for the first time when the country opened their television sets early in the morning to know the mandate of North- East.&nbsp;

He said, &quot;A day after Holi, the results of North-east elections again created an environment of festival. You must think why I am discussing it here. I&#39;m not seeing it as victory and defeat of political parties, significant is that entire nation was involved in North-east&#39;s celebrations&quot; &quot;It happened for the first time that people in other states of the country opened their television set early morning to know the mandate of North-East public. This is a huge change&quot;.

&nbsp;

Speaking at Yuva Power Convention PM Modi said 'I always try to meet youth more and more, to talk to them, to listen to their experiences and to work according to their hopes & aspirations'

Speaking at the "Youth Power Convention" event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he always tries to meet more and more youth so that he can work according to their hopes and aspirations. He said " There is always something to learn from the conversations with young generation. Therefore, I always try to meet youth more and more, to talk to them, to listen to their experiences and to work according to their hopes & aspirations". He also talked about Atal Innovation Mission, introduced by the government, to convert ideas of school students into innovation. Innovation is the base of better future. To convert ideas of school students into innovation, government has introduced Atal Innovation Mission. More than 2,400 Atal Tinkering Labs have been approved across the country: PM Modi at "Youth Power" convention pic.twitter.com/l8AyxsiBQe — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018 × "Vidyarthi Devo Bhava is not only yours, but our mantra as well. In fact, with your permission, I would like to add in it, "Yuva Shakti Devo Bhava": PM Modi at "Youth Power" convention pic.twitter.com/gjnaVjwWhP — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018 × Speaking at the event he said a huge change was seen for the first time when the country opened their television sets early in the morning to know the mandate of North- East. He said, "A day after Holi, the results of North-east elections again created an environment of festival. You must think why I am discussing it here. I'm not seeing it as victory and defeat of political parties, significant is that entire nation was involved in North-east's celebrations" "It happened for the first time that people in other states of the country opened their television set early morning to know the mandate of North-East public. This is a huge change".

Always try to work according to hopes and aspirations of youth: PM Modi

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said on Saturday that his party would stake claim to form the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-demolishes-left-citadel-in-tripura-certain-to-be-part-of-government-in-nagaland-34576">next government</a> in Nagaland in the next couple of days.

The BJP general secretary said the NDPP-BJP alliance had the support of one independent and one JD(U) member which increased its tally to 32, above the mark of 31 needed to form the government in the state.

&quot;NDPP-BJP alliance has secured near simple majority in Nagaland. We have support of 1 independent and 1 JD(U) member, that takes us to 32 seats. We are in a comfortable position to form next govt. NDPP-BJP alliance will stake its claim to form govt in next couple of days,&quot; Ram Madhav said.

G Kaito Aye, the JD(U) nominee who won from Satakha, and Independent Tongpang Ozukum are reported to have expressed their wish to join the BJP-NDPP alliance, taking its numbers to&nbsp;31.

The BJP-NDPP combine has won 29 seats (BJP 12, NDPP 17). The NPP of Conrad Sangma, an NEDA partner of the BJP, has won two seats and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar&#39;s JD(U) one.

The NPF is the single largest party in the House with 27 seats.

The BJP got an informal invitation from NPF leader and Chief Minister TR Zeliang to join the new government, PTI reported earlier.

The BJP had parted ways with the NPF just ahead of the polls and joined hands with the newly-launched NDPP of three-time former chief minister Neiphiu Rio, also an old NPF hand.

(With inputs from PTI)

The BJP general secretary said the NDPP-BJP alliance had the support of one independent and one JD(U) member which increased its tally to 32, above the mark of 31 needed to form the government in the state

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said on Saturday that his party would stake claim to form the next government in Nagaland in the next couple of days. The BJP general secretary said the NDPP-BJP alliance had the support of one independent and one JD(U) member which increased its tally to 32, above the mark of 31 needed to form the government in the state. "NDPP-BJP alliance has secured near simple majority in Nagaland. We have support of 1 independent and 1 JD(U) member, that takes us to 32 seats. We are in a comfortable position to form next govt. NDPP-BJP alliance will stake its claim to form govt in next couple of days," Ram Madhav said. G Kaito Aye, the JD(U) nominee who won from Satakha, and Independent Tongpang Ozukum are reported to have expressed their wish to join the BJP-NDPP alliance, taking its numbers to 31. The BJP-NDPP combine has won 29 seats (BJP 12, NDPP 17). The NPP of Conrad Sangma, an NEDA partner of the BJP, has won two seats and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) one. The NPF is the single largest party in the House with 27 seats. The BJP got an informal invitation from NPF leader and Chief Minister TR Zeliang to join the new government, PTI reported earlier. The BJP had parted ways with the NPF just ahead of the polls and joined hands with the newly-launched NDPP of three-time former chief minister Neiphiu Rio, also an old NPF hand. (With inputs from PTI)

Will stake claim to form government in Nagaland: BJP

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