"In Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, poverty in 2009-10 has increased, " the commission said in a statement.

BBC: 'Sharp drop' in India poverty due to welfare programmes

Since 1997, a ceasefire has largely held in the Indian state of Nagaland.

ECONOMIST: India's restive north-east

They have promised not to disrupt state elections to be held in February in Nagaland (and two other north-eastern states).

ECONOMIST: India's restive north-east

Locals here in Assam and the neighboring states of Manipur and Nagaland add fresh chopped chilies to the pot when cooking curries.

WSJ: The World's Hottest Chili

They have met the prime minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, and other bigwigs, as well as delegations of their own people from Nagaland.

ECONOMIST: India's restive north-east

Polls for the Nagaland assembly are due on 23 February and strict checking is being carried out to prevent any irregularities by candidates.

BBC: India Nagaland home minister resigns after arrest

Mr Imchen - a candidate of Nagaland People's Front (NPF) party - was initially detained on Monday morning while he was travelling to his constituency, Koridanga, from the state capital, Kohima.

BBC: India Nagaland home minister resigns after arrest

Nagas live in several states besides their own, Nagaland.

ECONOMIST: Blockade of a north-eastern Indian state

It happened in Nagaland, and in Manipur.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia | A Royal Tribe Under Threat