Guwahati, Jan 2 : Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today said that militancy will be dealt with firmly for restoration of normalcy and development in the North East.

Talking to reporters after reviewing the security scenario of Assam at a Unified Command meeting held under the chairmanship of State Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in Dispur, he said, security forces have been asked to be more stern on the militants and no quarter will be given to them to escape.

New Delhi, Jan 2 : The police force in New Delhi will have mass recruitment of police constables and other ranks before the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2010.

Addressing a news conference Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dhadwal, who heads the force said that the recruitment is part of the drive to ensure security during the Games.

"We have taken substantial steps to ensure security in the city. Recruitment at various levels has reached an advanced stage. Around 4,500 constables will join by March

Colombo, Jan. 2 : The Sri Lankan army has seized the Tamil Tigers'' de facto capital of Kilinochchi.

Sources from President Mahinda Rajapaksa''s office said that the troops entered Kilinochchi from two locations and after a fierce confrontation with the tigers, the Lankan army was in control of the town.

"Presently the 57 division troops and one battalion of the Sri Lankan army have entered Kilinochchi town," military spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara said.

Islamabad, Jan. 2 : Pakistan looks to strengthen the capability of its air force amidst rising war fears with India. Pakistan is ready to start serial production of multi-role fighter aircraft (JF-17 Thunder) in collaboration with China.

Chairman of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Air Marshal Khalid Chaudhry said that the PAC has set up a factory for initiating the serial production of JF-17 Thunder aircraft.

Islamabad, Jan.

New Delhi, Jan 2 : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the project of construction of deep draught iron ore berth at Paradip Port on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis at an estimated cost of Rs. 591.35 crore.

Out of total cost, Rs. 506.25 crore will be borne by the BOT operator while Rs. 85.10 crore will be borne by the Paradip Port Trust.

The length of the approved BOT iron ore berth would be 370 meter, alongside depth of (-)17.1 meter which will be capable of handling vessels of 1,25,000 Dead Weight Tonnage (DWT) and will have developed stacking area of about 82,125 sqm.

The project is to be implemented within a period of 36 months from the date of award of the concession.