President's rule imposed in Nagaland

New Delhi, Jan 3 (UNI) President's rule was imposed in Nagaland with President Pratibha Patil today approving the recommendation of the Union Cabinet in this regard.

The President, who was handed over the recommendation yesterday, signed the proclamation this evening, Home Ministry sources said.

Mrs Patil, who is at present in Hyderabad, had received the decision of the Cabinet taken at its unscheduled meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday.

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) held a marathon meeting here today on Nagaland issue as the BJP-backed Democratic Alliance government won a controversial no-confidence motion last month.

The CCPA also discussed the political impact of President's rule in the State.

Nagaland Chief Minister N Rio survived the trial of strength on the floor of the Assembly on December 13 when it was defeated 23-19 votes in the 60-member House after the Speaker barred three independents from taking part in voting and held that the votes of nine dissident ruling NPF members were invalid.

The imposition of President's rule in the State came ahead of the Assembly elections due in Nagaland in February.

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