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10/02/2005: "Huge cache of explosives recovered, one arrested in Nagaland"

Huge cache of explosives recovered, one arrested in Nagaland Outlook India KOHIMA, OCT 2 (PTI) Security forces recovered a huge cache of explosives from Dimapur railway station and arrested one person in this connection.
Assam Rifles personnel recovered 800 detanators, 710 gelatine sticks and six bundles of cordex, each 10 metres from the lugagge of a person near the platform, official sources said. Security personnel asked a man who was moving suspiciously to open his bag. The youth panicked and fled leaving his luggage behind from which explosive materials were recovered. Later some bags were recovered from an auto-rikshaw which the person hired after arriving at the station by Lamding-Tinsukia passanger train. The bags also contained a banner of Hmar youth association, two comouflage uniform and a Naga shawl, the sources said adding police believed the person was from Mizoram. One Hmar youth was later arrested for bringing the consignment from Mizoram to Dimapur. On Gandhi Jayanti day last year a series of blasts rocked various parts of Assam and Dimapur. At least 28 people were killed and scores injured in the twin blasts at Dimapur on the day.
Huge cache of explosives seized in Dimapur From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
DIMAPUR, Oct 1 – Assam Rifles personnel stationed at Dimapur Railway Station recovered a huge cache of explosive materials this morning, a day ahead of the first anniversary of the twin blasts which rocked Dimapur on October 2 last year. Around 80 people lost their lives in those two blasts. Todays explosives included 710 number of gelatine rods, 800 detonators and 60 fuse wires. the materials over brought into Dimapur by the Tinsukia bound passenger train originating at Lumding.
One person who was transpoting the bags into an auto rickshaw was challenged by an Assam Rifles personnel, immediately fled from the scene. Nobody has been arrested so far.

Two new Army commanders take over in WC and ARTRAC
New Delhi | October 01, 2005 6:37:06 PM IST Webindia
Lt Gen Daljeet Singh and Lt Gen Kuldeep Singh Jamwal today took over as the General Officers Commanding in Chief (GOC-in-Cs) of the frontline Western Command and the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) respectively.
Lt Gen Singh, an Armoured Corps Officer, takes over the strategic Western Command (Chandigarh) from Lt Gen S Pattabhiraman, who takes over as the Army's Vice Chief on Monday, succeeding Lt Gen B S Thakur, who retired yesterday. Commissioned into 8th Light Cavalary after training at the NDA, Lt Gen Singh is also an alumni of the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth (USA) and School of Infantry, Warmister (UK). He has also attended the prestigious National Defence College Course and his operational commands include Brigadier General Staff (BGS) of a Strike Corps, Major General (Staff), HQ Western Command and command of an Infantry Division. He was hitherto the General Officer Commanding of the Rangapahar (Dimapur)-based III (Spear) Corps, tasked with handling the insurgency situation in Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and South Assam. Lt Gen Singh has been succeded in this post by Lt Gen Zameeruddin Shah, who was earlier GOC, Bengal Area (in the rank of Major General).
Meanwhile, Lt Gen Jamwal took over as the GOC-in-C of the prestigious Army Training Command (Shimla), the birthplace of the Army's recently-released, first-ever 'War Doctrine', formulated during the stewardship of present Army Chief, Gen J J Singh and the present South-Western Command GOC-in-C Lt Gen K Nagraj. Earlier the ARTRAC CoS, Lt Gen Jamwal succeeds Lt Gen Deepak Kapoor, who took over as the GOC-in-C of the vital Northern Command, succeeding Lt Gen Hari Prasad, who retired on August 31. A recipient of the coveted 'Sword of Honour' and also the Gold Medal on passing out from the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, he joined the the Corps of Artillery on commissioning and commanded the 14 Field Regiment.
Lt Gen Jamwal was also selected to do other prestigious courses including Higher Command Course and National Defence College Course and had a two-year tenure of UN peacekeeping at Angola where he was awarded UN Force Commanders Certificate. His other commands include a tenure as the Additional Director General, Staff Duties at the Army HQs, which is responsible for selection and training of Indian Army units selected for UN peacekeeping missions and the GOC of the Jodhpur-based 'Desert (XII) Corps.' A 'Gunner', Lt Gen Jamwal has been honoured with Vishisht Seva Medal twice and also the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for his services during the Kargil war when he oversaw the operations in HQ Northern Command. He has commanded the famous ''Battleaxe'' Infantry Division. An aviator too, he is the Colonel Commandant of Army’s Aviation Corps and Regiment of Artillery. Interestingly, Lt Gen Jamwal -- the younger of the famous Jamwal brothers -- takes a stride over his elder brother, Lt Gen A S Jamwal, in rising to the GOC-in-C rank. Lt Gen A S Jamwal had recently taken over as the GOC of the newly-raised 'Rising Star (IX) Cops', set up by bifurcating the assets of the Nagrota-based 'White Knight' Corps -- the largest corps in the world -- in order to rationalise its area of operations. UNI VD AT AKK1802
TOP LEVEL APPOINTMENTS OF ARMY COMMANDERS North East Press Service
Former 3 Corps Commander, Lt Gen Daljeet Singh has today taken over as the Army Commander of the Western Command at Chandimandir near Chandigarh. While Western Command is responsible for the strategically important areas, which have in the past witnessed decisive battles along the Indo-Pak border, Army’s Training Command is the ‘think-tank’ of the Indian Army. It is here that the recently released Army’s Doctrine for Warfare took shape. Raised exactly fifteen years ago on 01 October 1991, this command HQ was headed in the past by two Army Chiefs including the present COAS, Gen JJ Singh. Lt Gen Daljeet Singh, who has developed his rapport with the people of the northeast especially Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and South Assam and also with media as he served in the insurgency infested areas of the region as 3 Corps Commander, is from the Armoured Corps and was commissioned into 8th Light Cavalary. In the rank of brigadier, Lt Gen Daljeet Singh has been on staff of a Strike Corps. As a Major Gener al, he served on staff of HQ Western command. He has also commanded an Infantry Division. His motto in profession has been ‘Beyond Excellence’. A keen golfer, he also enjoys swimming. He takes over from Lt Gen S Patabhiraman, who moves as Vice Chief of the Army. He received his pre commission training at National Defence Academy, Kharakvasla. Later in service he graduated from Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth (USA) and School of Infantry, Warmister (UK). He has also attended the prestigious National Defence College Course.
After a year, the stories unfold The Morung Express News October 1 Dimapur: The agony and excitement seems to have subsided. However, some witnesses still remember the day that rocked Dimapur vividly. The Morung Express talked to some of them. Choegal, a shop owner based in Hong Kong Market said, "When the bomb detonated, the first thought that struck my mind was that a lightning bolt had struck somewhere. It had been drizzling. The loud roar of thunder led me towards this channel of thought. However, when I noticed people running helter-skelter it, finally dawned on me that something terrible had occurred." Moti Lal, a stall owner who has set up shop at the Railway Station was in close proximity of the bomb when it exploded. "Baap re baap! It was as if the world had come to an end. I was meters away from the bomb when the explosion rocked the Railway Station. Some of those who were near me were blown to smithereens. I thank my lucky stars as I managed to survive with only a few minor wounds. After the explosion, witnessing the mangled bodies of those who bore the brunt of the impact was a ghastly and horrid sight."
M Baruah, another witness, said he was lifted two feet above the ground as a result of the impact. "The roof which covers the platform was blown to pieces and for a moment looked like pieces of paper floating in the air. I heard a hiss which sounded like the whistle of a pressure cooker. The hissing sound gave way to a beep after which the bomb exploded" "After the explosion, and after looking at the devastation it had wreaked, I just kept running. I didn’t know what to do so I just started crying," said Nima, a Bhutanese who owns a shop at the Hong Kong Market.
1.Circled area shows the spot where a deep crater had formed as a result of the explosion. (MExPix) 2.The lane at Hong Kong market, which bore the maximum impact as it stands today. (MExPix) 3.Police man the electronic door frame at the entrance of the Railway Station Dimapur. (MExPix) 4.The very shop where the bomb had been placed a year ago. The shop has been renovated since then. Theprevious owner died as a result of the blast. (MExPix)
Culprits in NSCN (I-M) custody The Morung Express
The NSCN (I-M) has apprehended two of the culprits involved in the infamous October 2 twin bomb blasts which shook Dimapur last year. A top NSCN Home Ministry official disclosed that the outfit had managed to apprehend the duo after intense investigations. "Yes, their involvement has been ascertained," the official said. According to reports, the apprehended are presently in Camp Hebron-CHQ of the outfit. They were caught around a month back, according to a reliable source. "This is a result of the hard work put in by the personnel of our intelligence network who worked in coordination with other departments. If we had not done anything, it would have caused an embarrassment to the Naga people," he said. Interrogations and further investigations are going on. The outcome of the investigation will be made public after a month, he added.
Meanwhile, Police have erected an electronic door frame at the main entrance of the Railway Station as a precautionary measure. The door frame is capable of detecting bombs and other weapons. When contacted, Police had to say that they had earlier arrested some suspects to the October 2 incident but added that nothing concrete had emerged out of the arrests.
Explosives seized; ‘no connection to last year’s bomb blasts’ The Morung Express News October 1
DIMAPUR: In a major haul, a huge consignment of explosives was seized by personnel of the 31 Assam Rifles and the GRPS at the Dimapur Railway platform. The seized explosives totaled 710 Gelatin sticks, 800 Detonators, 6 coils of Cortex fuse wires each 10 meters long and other personal belongings including a military camouflage dress. According to GRPS and AR sources, security personnel noticed a passenger alighting from the Lumding-Tinsukia Train at around 10 am. The person, purported to be a Mizo, was lugging in several bags including a large heavy bedding roll. On being challenged , the person abandoned his luggage and fled towards Eros Line, Golagath road. The search resulted in the recovery of 351 gelatin sticks, 400 detonators, 3 coils of Cortex fuse wires each 10 meter long and other personal belongings. After the incident at around 12 in the noon, an Auto rickshaw had approached the GRPS with more bags saying that a person told him to deliver to the station, according to Major MS Kalra, 31 AR. A search of the bags yielded more explosive materials inside. The second seizure comprised of 359 Gelatin sticks, 400 more detonators, 3 coils of Cortex wires and other fabric accessories. The auto driver is presently in police custody.
The explosives having been seized on the eve of the first anniversary of the Dimapur Railway station bomb blasts on October 2 last year led to speculations linking it to a similar tragedy. However, according to highly-reliable sources, it was just a coincidence that the explosives were seized on the eve of the fateful day. It is reported that it was in fact a ‘regular’ but illegal business, for people to trade in gelatin materials especially by some people in the region for fishing and had no connection with last years’ bomb blasts. The business was being monitored by Police authorities until its exposure today, according to sources. The person is reported to be aged around 30-35 years of age, of wheatish complexion and was dressed in white shirt and grey pants. Investigations are on.
NSF writes to Governor for Justice The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, OCT 1 (MExN): The Naga Students Federation (NSF) in a letter to the Governor of Nagaland, while reiterating of the organization’s long standing demand for CBI inquiry into the NPSC scandal and revamping of the entire recruiting system in the State, has urged the Governor to initiate punitive action without fear or favor. A copy of NSF letter which was received here was signed by Pushika Aomi, President and WH Maring, Speaker. It questioned as to what extend the Naga people would "expect Justice from the Indian system of restoring Justice" when random corruption and injustice had become a naked practice under the nose of so-called law protectors "including your office". The NSF also expressed skepticism at ‘the attitude and mindset’ of the NPSC officials "who are exposing grudges against a group of people who tried to save a generation by exposing malpractices". It declared that the officials had begun misusing public office to avenge the exposure of corruption ‘by blacking out information to the fourth Estate’ and refusing to cooperate with investigating authorities. In this regard the Federation has urged the Governor to deliver Justice to the Nagas adding that the ‘insatiable spirit of seeking Justice of the younger generation would never be defeated’.
Towards a new nationhood of the Naga people K. Prongo The Morung Express A Spiritual Insight It is not because God relishes denial that it is not given to all men to see all their dreams fulfilled in the manner of their own seeking. It is because the thing that God reserves for those whom God has chosen for a great and noble purpose, far exceeds all they can themselves dream of, that God prepares them for God’s work through what appears, seems and feels like the painful path of denial and negation and yet in reality constitutes God’s refining. To be denied the object of our prayers, to be denied the thing we cherish, hold dear to our hearts and yearn to fulfill, causes us to experience prolonged pain and suffering and in that is the refining of our hearts, a chastening of the spirit, until both the heart and spirit are emptied of self and all considerations of the self. And thus ready to be filled with God’s love in utter self surrender. And ready to do the bidding of God and God’s work. And this is no denial. It is fulfillment beyond our asking. For that one, and that people are fortunate who experience denial of their own plans for a time only to be chosen for fulfilling God’s greater plans for ourselves and others: For all God’s children: For the Nations and peoples of the world! So be it for the Naga people. And may there be comfort in this for the Naga heart.
The Naga Nation Whatever the course of their history, there is no denying the reality of the now deeply established, deep rooted sense of nation-hood shared by the Naga people. Let that feeling of nation-hood be cherished and held dear and held fast by the Naga people. And let it be so recognized, accepted and honoured by others We say this notion of nationhood, so recent in terms of political history, is deep rooted, for it takes us, as it perhaps has doubtless caused the Naga Christians to identify their own sense of nationhood in the Old Testament scriptural promises to ancient Israel even before it acquired a political structure and identity.
"I shall make you into a great nation" is the original covenant promise of God to the patriarch Abraham. And indeed we see therein and following the text further that the concept of the Nation as conceived at that long ago origin is one that defines a special relationship between God and a people. For such a Nation looks to God for all guidance and providence and honors and loves God above all else. God and God’s love are the noblest and truest goal and object of man’s quest and aspiration. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength". This is the commandment much later reiterated by Jesus Christ. And it becomes the Greatest Commandment of all times for all time to come when combined with the next, "Love your neighbor as yourself". For Jesus states, "There is no commandment greater than these". A nation so guided and so determined to live shall be a blessing unto all humanity. And it shall be free to do God’s work. So be it for the Naga people for it is a great spiritual challenge.
A Nation Without & Beyond Boundaries! Such a nation-hood is not bound by and held within territorial boundaries. It is shared by a people regardless of boundaries and extends beyond boundaries. Provided Naga leaders and Naga people find themselves willing to consider and dwell upon such a concept and definition of nationhood to make it their own, there is great work to do in building up the People, spiritually, morally, ethically, socially, politically and economically. And such an orientation facilitates it. There is great reward too! For in essence the Nation is committed to God’s work. Work directed to ushering, promoting and establishing the true Kingdom of God on earth, in which all of us learn to recognize, honour and cherish the Universal brotherhood and fraternity of all humanity and learn to live together as children of one living God!
There are other dimensions of the reward. For a hundred years hence, in all their inspired spiritual strength, the Naga people will have as their own, a vast playing field and area of direct influence; all of Nagaland / Nagalim, all Manipur, all of Assam, all of Arunachal: Why! All of India and all of Myanmar. And be the very salt of life wherever they reside in the spirit of universal fraternity of humanity. And they shall be blessed. And they shall all prosper as the chosen and blessed of God. And presently in the context of the Peace Talks and Peace Process, such orientation may lead to peace, honourable, acceptable and durable with all neighbours. Note: This is only the seed of an idea and thought to be elaborated upon at length.
Gandhi’s guiding light and the Nagas N. Theyo The Morung Express Mahatma Gandhi was neither a great warrior nor a king and yet he exercised greater power and commanded greater devotion than any king or warrior. Born at Porbander in Gujarat on 2nd October, 1889, he was married to Kasturba at an early age of thirteen. After his matriculation at the age of eighteen, he went to England to study Law. In 1893, he went to Africa and stayed for more than 20 years. Here, he started his political career by founding the Natal Indian Congress and his non-violent struggle against imperialism began. Gandhiji was greatly influenced by Ruskin, Thoreau and Tolstoy. His goal for Indians was to achieve "an exploitation-free society in which the ordinary individual can claim and defend his rights". On his return to India in 1915, Gandhiji set up an Ashram near Ahmedabad and took the vow of truth, non-violence, celibacy, fearlessness, self control, removal of untouchability, use of Khadi and other Indian¬ made products.
For this fight against British Imperialism, Gandhiji developed a unique weapon that of non¬-cooperation and Satyagraha. He was a firm believer in purity of means for achieving any end. He opposed the oppressors throughout his life through profoundly moral, truthful and non-violent means. Hate sin, and not the sinner, he taught. Gandhi proved true to his philosophy when he pleaded guilty to the charge of sedition in his trial at Ahmedabad on 23rd March 1922 for his three articles in his magazine ‘Young India’. In his statement, he told the Judge: "Non-Violence is the first article of my truth. It is the last article of my truth". He narrated the sad plight of the Indian masses under the British rule and fearlessly expressed his views about how the people or India was discriminated against vis-a-vis the Europeans under the British law-courts. Stating, that "Non-Cooperation with evil is as much a duty as is cooperation with good", he emphasized the point, that one should stand against the evil but need not hate the evil doer. Thus, Gandhi tried to appeal to the conscience of the evil doer without demeaning himself by hating him. This remained the guiding principle throughout his life.
After his statement before the court, Gandhi was sentenced to six years imprisonment ‘thanked the Judge for his courtesy’. He was imprisoned again in 1930, 1933 and 1942 when he went on a hungry strike as part of campaign of the Civil Disobedience. However, later he collaborated with the British to gain independence for India in 1947. Gandhi fought tooth and nail for his country’s freedom, but, to him freedom did not mean simply the liberation of the country from foreign rule. His concept of freedom or ‘Purna Swaraj’ connoted not only political freedom but also emancipation of man from all evils—social, political, economic etc. He believed in ‘Sarvodaya’ or affluence for all. All through his his life, he worked for the welfare of the poor and the downtrodden. This great saint politician fell victim to an assassin’s bullets on 30th January 1948. It is also apt to mention here that when a Naga delegation under the leadership of Mr. Phizo met Gandhiji at Bhangi colony, New Delhi on 19th July 1947, he said, "The Nagas have every right to be independent". He also said "we want you to feel that Naga Hills is mine just as much as it is yours". When the Naga leaders informed him that they would declare themselves independent on August 15, 1947, Gandhiji asked in humour, "’Why not now? Why wait for August 15". Such was his attitude and approach towards the Nagas political issue. The Late Dr Albert Einstein in his observation said Mahatma Gandhi was the greatest political genius of the modern world. He further said that the power of his idea is bound to grow in the years to come.
(The writer is the Chairman Nagaland Peace Centre, Kohima)
Ukl traders set sight on Myanmar From Addie Chiphang Sagain Express
UKHRUL, Oct 1 : With the objective of bringing the business community of Ukhrul and Myanmar more closer and encourage trade ties a 30 member ‘Business Exposure team’ is all set to visit Mandalay in the second week of November month. Disclosing the proposed tour under the aegis of Tangkhul Trade and Commerce Council (Tang-khul Leisak Long) the Council president Ramyo Raingam said establishing business connectivity with Myanmar had become inevitable taking into ac- count close proximity of the district to commercial centres of the neighbouring country. observing that Ukhrul district based traders are yet to tap the huge export-import potential Ramyo said most goods imported from Myanmar reach the district’s markets from distant places like Dimapur via Tamu, Moreh etc.
The current business practice which is both time consuming and involves excess investment could be removed once direct business link is established, reasoned the trade body’s president.
On the proposed tour which is being prepared following approval of the Myanmar authority, Ram-ya informed of the delegate composed of economists and prominent social activists of the district.
During the business trip/market survey tour agreement to ensure free, fair and legal trade would be signed at Mandalay which could not only open up business opportunities for the ukh-rul entrepreneurs but clear the route for further foray into South East Asian markets, he said. During the four day stay at Mandalay the delegate would have extensive discussion on mode of trade relation in addition to market survey.
According to another member of the Council priority is being given on reopening ancient trade route used by Tangkhul and Burmese people through Wungchiya area of Kamjong sub-division which is very close to the international border.
Ukhrul to trade with Myanmar John K Kaping
UKHRUL, Sep 30: The Tangkhul Leishangkhong (Tangkhul Trade and Commerce Council) is preparing to step into a trading relation with the International Myanmar Trade Agencies by November this year at Mandalay. Talking to this Ukhrul correspondent Ramyo Raingam, the president of the Ukhrul based trade council said the council with its 30 member team will proceed for the first time for a trade venture to Mandalay following a green signal from the Myanmar traders.
The market survey team from Ukhrul will be received at one of the 3-star hotels at Mandalay by the Myanmar Agencies. The two agencies will discuss the mode of trade during the four day venture market survey. Besides, the groups will focus on direct dealing of goods or barter system. The Tangkhul Trade Council is also targeting a similar relationship with Wungchiya, one of the important Myanmar border trade centres located in the east region bordering Skip village under Phungyar sub-division of Manipur.
UNLF announce ban on splinter group Newmai News Network October 1
IMPHAL: Manipur’s United National Liberation Front (UNLF) today announced that it would impose a complete ban on the activities of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Prithivi), one of the four factions of the outlawed organisations. The UNLF said activities of the KCP faction is against the interest of the people and also besmirched the image of the revolutionary groups in Manipur. Announcing the ban Kh. Yoiheiba, senior publicity officer of the UNLF warned that if the KCP (Prithivi) faction fails to stop all its activities the members of the group would be given stern punishment. The UNLF appealed to the parents of the members to prevent their wards from continuing with their activities. The UNLF said KCP founded by Ibohanbi fragmented into several factions after the death of the leader. The groups carried out their activities without thinking about the people and used guns to extort money. This has not only tarnished the image of the revolutionary organisations but also slowed down the struggle. It said the Manipur Peoples Liberation Front brought three factions of the KCP in 2003 led by President Leibak Macha, General Secretary Laba and Publicity Secretary Lamphel. But the party again broke up into three factions. Amidst the confusion the KCP (Prithivi) faction came up. Listing activities of the KCP faction the UNLF said its cadres intimidated people including doctors to extort money lowering the dignity of the medical profession. The outfit also imposed a total ban on digital Manipuri films. They also do contract work. Their main motive is to earn money, it said. The UNLF said the KCP (P) faction would continue against the interest of the people though the group does not disclose the names of the party leaders. It issues press releases only in the name of Leingakleima Chanu. The UNLF warned that if the KCP (P) continues their activities it would be declared as the enemy of the people and action would be taken against the members accordingly. The UNLF also asked the other three groups to join hands and become one group. Asking the factions to stop criticising one another through press releases, it warned that if they do not unify, the people would punish them. The UNLF also appealed to other groups to extend support in banning the KCP (P). This is for the first time one militant group bans another group in Manipur.
‘Centre-ULFA talks will bring positive results’By Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
AGARTALA, Oct 1 – The peace initiatives between Centre and ULFA would bring positive result to end militancy in entire Northeastern region particularly in Assam, said Union Minister of State for Home, S Raghupati. Raghupati who recently visited to assess the ground reality along the international border with Bangladesh, told reporters that insurgency is declining with every passing day. “Law and order situation in North Eastern states has improved significantly due to peace initiatives and pro-active action taken by the security forces”, he said adding peace talks between outlawed ULFA and Central Government would further contribute to put an end to the violence. The Union Minister also made it clear that Congress-led UPA government is prepared to hold talks with underground outfits within the frame of the constitution. He also claimed that the Minister of Home Affairs (MHA) is keeping keeping a watch on the mushrooming of madrassas along the border and infiltration is not posing any threat to the demographic picture of the Northeast. Earlier, the Union Minister visited some border posts of Tripura and Mizoram to have a first hand knowledge about the ground reality. He said the 4096 km Indo-Bangla border would be fenced by 2007 despite the opposition from BDR.