Short takes.

(From The Statesman (India))

NDA, NDF and Naga polls THE National Democratic Alliance has cemented an alliance with the newly formed Nagaland Peoples Front to contest the forthcoming elections in Nagaland. Although the election dates have not yet been set, the announcement by former Nagaland minister K Therie shows that the ruling NDA at the Centre will put its full strength (which is formidable) behind a group that appears to have the tacit support of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (I-M). The NSCN is negotiating with the Centre on the political future of their people and substantive talks with the Indian government are expected to take place next month. …