Quicktakes

Reformist Iranian minister impeached

TEHERAN: Iran8217;s Parliament on Sunday impeached reformist Interior Minister Abdullah Nouri but moderate President Mohammed Khatami, in a counter move, appointed him as a vice-president. As many as 137 of the members present voted for and 117 against the dismissal of nouri, while 11 members abstained, it said. The impeachment was seen as a victory for conservative members of Iran8217;s ruling clergy and a setback for Khatami, who assumed office last August after a landslide victory in the May elections.

Ultras held

IMPHAL: At least four activists of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland NSCN-K and People8217;s Liberation Army PLA were arrested by security forces from different places in Manipur since Saturday. Official sources said that three NSCN-K activists, identified as Lovejoy 24, Romeo 21 and S T Munthum 42, were arrested by Army troops from different places in Imphal west district on Saturday.