BREAKING NEWS

Blast rocks Guwahati city

Guwahati, Jan 1: After a long gap, the militants today exploded three bombs in three crowded areas here, including one shortly before the arrival of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, injuring over 15 people today.

At least 12 people were injured when a suspected cycle bomb exploded at Bhootnath locality, which falls on the route Chidambaram was to take, shortly before his arrival here on a visit.

Three persons were injured in a blast outside a Big Bazar retail chain outlet at Bhangagarh, an up market commercial area near Guwahati Medical College.

Earlier, an Improvised Explosive Devise (IED) kept in a municipal corporation dustbin went off at around 3.30 pm leaving three persons wounded. (Pic: Bhangaghar Blast)

The injured admitted to the hospital were identified as Altaf Ali, Fatema Begum and Raul Ali, official sources said.

The dustbin was kept near A TB hospital.

The state witnessed serial blasts on October 30 killing 88 people.

The injured were shifted to GMCH.

Two Killed, Four Injured in Manipur Clashes 

Imphal, Dec 18: Two persons have been killed and four others injured in a clash between militants and civilians in an interior Manipur village of Bishenpur district, official sources said today. 

Trouble began whem Kuki militants entered Kwakta village, about 45 km from here, last evening and attempted to kidnap a Muslim girl. 

When the villagers raised an alarm and chased the militants, the militants fired at the people injuring two villagers, the sources said. 

The irate villagers chased the Kuki militants and killed a militant and a Kuki villager of neighbouring village where the villagers thought that the militants had taken shelter, the sources said. 

The militants who were nearby started firing at the villagers injuring two civilians who chased them, the sources said. 

Heavy police and security forces were deployed in the area to prevent any communal clashes. 

The motive behind the attempt to kidnap the Muslim girl by militants was not immediately known.

Three Black Widow militants escape from jail 

Guwahati, Dec 11: Three militants broke free from a jail in the insurgency-hit North Cachar Hill district of Assam on Thursday morning, triggering panic in the area. 

A police source in the hill district informed that three senior militants from  Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel Garlosa) or Black Widow group -- Daku Dimasa, Daniel Dimasa and Nalo Dimasa -- escaped from Haflong jail after triggering a grenade blast early on Thursday morning. 

The jail is located adjacent to the main police station in Haflong, but the militants managed to escape without facing any resistance from the jail guards. 

The authorities have arrested jail in-charge Lunlet Lhoubum and an investigation has been initiated into the matter. The police have launched a manhunt for the three militants in and around Haflong. 

The Black Widow is a ruthless militant group that is active in the North Cachar Hill district and adjoining areas. The outfit has been involved in numerous attacks on security personnel and politicians. It also carries out rampant extortion operations.

Tripura Youth Congress calls 12-hr Tripura bandh on Dec 17 

Agartala, Dec 11 : The Tripura Youth Congress Committee (TYCC) today called a 12-hour state bandh on December 17 demanding arrest of CPI(M) MLA Shahid Choudhury for his alleged association with Bangladeshi national and HuJI activist Mamun Mian. 

The TYCC also sought disqualification of RSP MLA Partha Das from the Assembly for 'possessing' a fake Schedule Caste certificate. 

TYCC sources here alleged that the Left Front government in had been abetting anti-nationals and corrupt people. 

''Whenever any political leader or public representative is found to be involved in irregularities, the CPI(M) demands either arrest or resignation. But when it comes to their own party or front, they are silent,'' TYCC leader Atas Chakraborty said. 

In April one Mamun Mian, resident of Bangladesh, was arrested by West Bengal police from Agartala and Tripura Food Minister Sahid Choudhury was forced to resign from the sixth Left Front ministry for his alleged association with Mamun. 

Three cases had been filed against Mamun in Tripura and West Bengal, as initial investigation established that Mamun had a link with international terrorist organisations like HuJI. He is now in jail in West Bengal. 

The TYCC alleged that Sahid Choudhury had willfully sheltered Mamun Mian, who had been living in a rented house here under a fake name for more than three years in his reference. 

Mr Chakraborty said, ''If Mamun is a Bangladeshi element and smuggler, as has been proved by police on the basis of records, Choudhury should also be arrested because he had helped him obtain Indian citizenship and fake passports.'' On the other hand RSP MLA Partha Das’s younger brother Chandan's Scheduled Caste certificate turned out to be fake and was cancelled. 

''But in case of the MLA the state government is trying to safeguard him,'' Mr Chakraborty said adding that Partha Das’s membership of the Assembly from the Shalgarah constituency of South Tripura, reserved for SC, be terminated immediately. 

Meanwhile, the Left Front termed the movement illegal stating that both the cases were pending in the court.

Powerful bomb recovered from cinema hall, 3 ULFA cadres arrested 

Guwahati, Dec 10: A disaster was averted when a powerful bomb was recovered from a cinema hall in Assam's Goalpara district when a film show was in progress, official sources said on Wednesday. 

The bomb was noticed on Tuesday night by a member of the audience inside the hall at Ambari in West Goalpara during the interval. 

Following it, hall authorities halted the screening of the film and informed the police, who along with an army bomb defusing squad took away the bomb. 

The bomb was defused early this morning, the sources said. 

Investigations were on to identify those responsible for planting the bomb in the hall, the sources added. 

Meanwhile, Babul Deka cadre of 27^th battalion of ULFA was nabbed by the Army from Udlaguri district, while two women ULFA cadres identified as Bandita Phookan alia Karabi Gogoi and Satyama Bailung alias Momi were arrested by Sivsagar police today.

Two File Nomination Papers for Manipur By-Poll 

Imphal, Dec 10: Two candidates -- M Prithiviraj Singh (Congress) and H Bira Singh (Manipur People's Party) -- today filed nomination papers for the December 27 byelection to the Moirang assembly constituency in Manipur. 

Election office sources said Prithiviraj Singh and Bira Singh were the only candidates who filed papers on the last day of filing nomination papers. 

Scrutiny of papers would be held tomorrow. 

Byelection to the constituency became necessary following the death of sitting Congress MLA M. Manindra Singh, father of Prithiviraj Singh. 

Counting of votes would be taken up on December 30.

Human Rights day observed in Manipur 

Imphal, Dec 10 : The International Human Rights day observed in Manipur today as functions were organised on the occasion. 

The main function was held here at state guest house organised by the Manipur Human Rights Commission(MHRC) and Human Rights Initiative which also produced the first human rights periodical of the state 'Justice First'. 

Speaking on the occasion Ng. Nongyai, Member MHRC appealed the people to respect human dignity and rights. 

RK Ranjan of the Human Rights Initiative spoke about the need of making people aware on the issues associated with human rights. 

On the occasion, Rs 25 lakhs was given for Mumbai attack victims three lakhs for Ragailong, Imphal East blast victims and Rs one lakh for those killed by security personnel in Manipur. 

The Threatened Indigenous People's Society (TIPS) organised a photo exhibition here at Manipur Central youth club as a part of the observation. 

Lal Thanhawla Elected CLP Leader in Mizoram 

Aizawl, Dec 10: Lal Thanhawla, who steered the Congress back to power in Mizoram in a landslide win after a gap of ten years, was today elected as the legislature party leader. 

The Congress Legislature Party, met today to elect 68-year-old Lal Thanhawla as newly-elected MLAs reached the state capital from far-flung areas. 

Congress party sources said the party would now stake claim to form government before governor Lt Gen M M Lakhera. 

The Congress carved out its biggest victory in Mizoram after it attained statehood in 1987 bagging 32 seats out of 40 and handing one of the worst defeats to the ruling Mizo National Front.

96th Indian Science Congress to be held in Meghalaya 

Shillong, Dec 9 : A five-day 96th Indian Science Congress organised by the 'Indian Science Congress Association' (ISCA) will be held at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) here on January 3. 

''The event will be organised to provide a common platform to the scientists, engineers and technologists belonging to various disciplines for sharing their expertise and experience,'' a NEHU communiqué said. 

The theme of the 96th Indian Science Congress would be 'Science Education and Attraction of Talent for Excellence in Research', it added. 

The programme would be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on January 3 at the permanent NEHU Campus here, according to the communiqué. 

''It is expected that about 3,000 to 4,000 people, including noble laureates, eminent scientists and dignitaries from India and abroad will participate in the event,'' the statement said. 

Five militants shot dead in Manipur 

Imphal, Dec 9 : Altogether five ultras were gunned down by the Manipur police in Thoubal district in the State last night. 

A team of Thoubal police commandos had an encounter with the militants at Langathel Thongkhong under the Thoubal district, police said, adding two AK-47 rifles, several live rounds of ammunition, one lethod gun and two hand grenades were recovered from them. 

The commandos started the operation around 2030 hrs yesterday and proceeded towards Langathel on the eastern side of National Highway No 39, the police added.

Langathel is a small village, and its close proximity to the hilly terrains made it a safe place for militants. 

As the ultras opened fire on seeing the security forces, an encounter took place, in which five militants were slain, police informed. 

The bodies were brought today at RIMS morgue for identification and post-mortem, according to police.

Security augmented at Guwahati Airport 

Guwahati, Dec 5 : Security has been beefed up at the Guwahati Airport to the highest level following an intelligence input that the city is in under threat of terrorists'. 

The CISF jawans, manning the airport, had made it sure that every corner was covered by them, while passengers had been advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before the departure of their aircraft, official sources today said. 

Sources informed that a close vigil was being kept at the VIP entourage, adding the airport had already been closed for non-passengers. 

According to an intelligence report, terrorists could use one of the small aircraft in the northeastern region to sneak into an aeroplane and then use it as a catastrophic weapon on a major city. 

All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) dharna against terrorism 

Guwahati, Dec 5 : The All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) today staged a dharna at Guwahati city against terrorism and demanded resettlement of victims of the Udalguri carnage. 

Led by ABSU president R G Brahma, the student organisation also submitted a memorandum to the state government demanding rehabilitation of the victims of the communal violence. 

According to Mr Brahma, the perpetrators were the same who had been terrorising the whole country and Mumbai. 

The All Assam Students Union (AASU) also extended support to the dharna and adviser Dr Samujjal Kr Bhattacharrya took part in it.

Dutch sponsored Indo-Naga talks from Sunday 

Kohima, Dec 5 : A three-day crucial Naga peace talks between the Government and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) will be held at Amsterdam in the Netherlands from December 7. 

NSCN-IM sources here today said, the three day talks attended by their important leaders including Chairman Isak Chishi Swu, Ato Kilonser, Thuingaleng Muivah, V S Atem, R K Raising, Q Tuccu and Dr Somba Chang will be very crucial. 

Their leaders have already reached Amsterdam on Wednesday via Bangkok, sources said adding the talk was supposed to be held at the Hague but later shifted to Amsterdam. 

The talks are being hosted and sponsored by the Dutch Government. 

Employees' strike affect work in offices in Manipur 

Imphal, Dec 5 : Work in most government offices was seriously affected as the Manipur employees are on a cease work strike demanding implementation of the 6th Pay Commission recommendations. 

The Joint Administrative Council (JAC) of all Manipur Trade Union Congress (AMTUC) and All Manipur Government Employees Organisation (AMGEO) had decided to start a series of stirs to urge the government to implement the new pay revision as the Central government employees had already started enjoying the new pay structure. 

The JAC members wore black badges on November 11 and 12. They started work to rule stir from the next day. Pen down strike was held from November 20 to 26. It was followed by cease work strike from November 27. 

The JAC is also demanding merger of 50 per cent DA/DR with basic pay/pension, rectification of pay anomalies. The JAC is also demanding restoration of died-in-harness scheme and fixation of Minimum Wages based on the Consumer’s Price Index 2007 and payment of arrears and Variable Dearness Allowances (VDA). 

The JAC said facilities such as Duty Allowance, Messing Allowance, TA etc. should be given to the Home Guards of Manipur Ad-hoc employees, work charged employees should be regularized. The JAC was also demanding fixation of retirement age at 60 instead of 59 or at par with Central Government employees. 

JAC general secretary L. Priyobratta said those in the essential services might also join the strike. 

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh had stated that the state had no resources to meet the demands. There are about 50,000 regular employees and implementation of the new pay structure will put an extra burden on the state exchequer. 

The matter might be discussed when the 13th Finance Commission awards are announced, he said. Even states having adequate resources had not yet implemented the new pay structure, the CM said. 

Hornbill Rock festival attracts crowds 

Kohima, Dec 5 : The Hornbill National Rock Contest, a part of the ongoing Hornbill Festival here attracted not only the locals but a good number of foreigners also. 

The contest was formally launched by state`s Chief Secretary Lalhuma last evening.

Altogether nine bands participated which included Monopoly Syndrom (Arunachal Pradesh), Dark Horizon (Assam), Dementia (Nagaland), Third Eye (Darjeeling-West Bengal), Arms of Silence(Mizoram), OFF(Nagaland) Digital Suicide(Assam), 24x7 (Pune-Maharastra) and Northwind (Tura- Meghalaya). 

The final Contest will be held on December 7. 

Cultural programmes of various Naga tribes attracted huge crowd. 

5 ATTF militants surrender with arms 

Agartala, Dec 5 : Altogether five hardcore All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) militants surrendered with arms and ammunition in Hrangkhalpara area of West Tripura. 

Police said here today that the surrendered militants yesterday deposited a carbine with magazine, 95 rounds of nine mm ammunition, 25 rounds of point 38 ammunition and one 36 HE hand grenade. They were kept for interrogation in Teliamura police station, police added. 

The surrendered militants were identified as ATTF frontline leader Priya Ranjan Debbarma(27), Monoj Debbarma(28)- a self styled sergeant major, Ratan Sadhan Jamatia(28), Ananta Debbarma(27) and Usha Ranjan Debbarma(19), police stated adding more than 50 extremists of ATTF, NLFT and BNCT outfits has surrendered in past two months. 

During search at old Tuisama area under Kanchanpur police station of North Tripura, TSR personnel recovered a country made gun from an abandoned jhum hut last night. 

Student commits suicide, another critical in Tripura 

Agartala, Dec 5 : A student of class eight committed suicide and another sixth standard girl undergoing treatment after taking insecticide allegedly following their expulsion from examination at Durgapur village of Sonamura in West Tripura yesterday. 

The victim family lodged complaints against the school authority for the incident and alleged that both the girls were humiliated unnecessarily by the teachers. 

According to report, Durgapur High School authority had expelled one Rina Khandakar of class eight and Mumtaz Begam of class six when both of them were found cheating in the examination hall. 

In the evening Rina was found hanging by her dupatta (scarf) in a ceiling fan in her house and Mumtaz consumed insecticide, later admitted to hospital where she was stated to be critical.

73 personnel selected for Tripura DGP’s Commendation Disc 

Agartala, Dec 3 : Tripura government has selected 73 personnel of different security forces including Border Security Force (BSF) and CRPF for Tripura DGP’s Commendation Disc, 2008 in recognition of their outstanding performances. 

Official sources here today said that the Commendation Disc would be presented by DGP, Tripura tomorrow at A D Nagar Police Lines after Ceremonial Parade on the Occasion of Police Day, 2008. 

Besides, 68 state police personnel including an additional police superintendent, BSF 22nd battalion Assistant Commandant Gobind Singh and two CRPF personnel had been selected this year for prestigious recognition, officials stated. 

The best police man award would be given to Inspector Shyamal Debbarma for his valiant operations against outlawed militant outfits in interior parts of the state and insurgency infested Champahawar police station was announced as best police station in the state this year, officials added. 

Tripura Congress burns effigy of Achuthanandan 

Agartala, Dec 3 : Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee(TPCC) burnt the effigy of Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan here last night for his remark that 'even a dog would not visit the house of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan', who was killed fighting terrorists in Mumbai. 

The TPCC leaders held protest rallies in the city and other parts of the state demanding Mr Achuthanandan's resignation and urged to initiate panel action against him for showing disrespect to the great martyr. 

TPCC president Samir Ranjan Barman criticised the CPI(M) leaders for irresponsible remarks of the chief minister. 

''Such remarks are open insult to our martyrs,'' Mr Barman said, adding, all human being would react alike except a few so called Marxists. 

Meanwhile, CPI(M) state secretary Bijan Dhar said, ''Our party chief Prakash Karat has already reacted over the statement and here we don’t have anything to say, but we feel politicians should avoid such controversies.'' State unit of the BJP too criticised the remarks withs its president Nilmoni Deb urging people to raise voice together against such inhuman comments from a chief minister and demanded judicial action against Mr Achuthanandan to boost the morale of security forces.

Hardcore ATTF militant surrenders in Tripura 

Agartala, Nov 28 : A hardcore activist of All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) surrendered before the sixth battalion of the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) at Chakmaghat area of Atharamura range. 

Police here today said the surrendered extremist, identified as Satyajit Debbarma (25), was involved in a number of murder cases and was wanted by the police for long. 

He deposited a rifle of AK 66 series and 100 rounds of live ammunition, along with some incriminating documents of the outfit yesterday. 

Police said security forces had been exerting pressure on the extremists and had successfully cut off their overground links as well as civil support bases. 

Movement from Bangladesh hideouts was also remarkably contained because of fencing and guarding, which forced the militants to surrender, police claimed. 

The state police issued warrant against five ATTF activists - Jagadish Debbarma, Satyaranjan Debbarma, Rajkumar Debbarma, Jogendra Debbarma and Bapan Debbarma - whose involvement in the October 1 serial blasts at Agartala was established in primary investigation.  

Nine people have been arrested so far in connection with the serial blasts and three of them had been issued conditional bail. 

Meanwhile, the state administration reviewed security arrangements today following the terror strikes in Mumbai. Security has been beefed up in all the vital installations in the state.

Dimapur-Kohima rail line construction begins 

Kohima, Nov 25 : The process of laying of 125-km long railway line between Dimapur and Kohima began today following the notification of Dimapur Deputy Commissioner to the Gaon Burahs and Village Chairmen of the villages through which the tracks will be laid. 

A public notice issued by Dimapur DC Moang Aier asked the Gaon Burahs, Village Chairmaes and general public residing in Dimapur and Kohima districts, whose lands are likely to be surveyed for the laying of the broad gauge railway line, to submit claims and objections, if any, in written within 30 days from today. 

He also informed that the notice is being issued under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. 

The proposed railway line through the hilly terrain areas, to be constructed by the Northeast Frontier Railway, survey of which has already been completed, is likely to cross the villages of Dimapur, Nagarjan, Thahekhu, Diphupar, Sovima, Chumukedima, Tenepe, Balijan, Sokhovi, Paglapahar, Khamkhya, Khaibong, Maova, Tsuma, Sochonuma, Sirithima Basam Sirhima, Medzipphema, Piphema, Chephema, Khobvuma, Peducha, Zubza, Kekruma and Thizama of both Dimapur and Kohima districts. 

The last stop of the railway line, which will start from Dimapur railway station, will be Zubza, about ten km from Kohima.

Naga Students' Federation (NSF)'s picketing at Secretariat from tomorrow 

Kohima, Nov 25 : The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) will start their indefinite picketing of the Nagaland Civil Secretariat from tomorrow in protest against the state government's decision of superannuation. 

NSF president Imchatoba Imchen told newspersons that the NSF was protesting against the decision of the state government of superannuation to 60 years for its employees, which they demanded to review and reduce for the benefit of the younger generation. 

The state government's decision will deprive the aspiring youths from the white-collar jobs, he said. 

The NSF had taken out a procession on November 19, which started from the NSF office and ended at the secretariat.

Seven Militants Killed in Manipur

IMPHAL, NOVEMBER 22: Seven militants were killed in separate encounters with security forces in two districts of Manipur today, official sources said.

A combined team of police commandos and Maratha Light Infantry personnel gunned down two militants at Mayang Imphal Charoibung area in Imphal West district in the wee hours.

In another incident, police commandos and Assam Rifles personel of 23rd battalion during a combing operation shot dead three militants at Lamlia area in Imphal East district at dawn, the sources said.

In another encounter, two militants were killed by security personnel at 8 am at Leimapan area in Imphal East district.

The sources said two 9 mm pistols and one M-16 rifle were found from Mayang Imphal and Lamlia areas respectively.

More LPG bottling plants in NE 

SHILLONG, NOV 21: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is in the process of setting up small new LPG bottling plants in the Northeast. 

An official release here said the plants would be set up in Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. 

The Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) which is engaged in supply, distribution and marketing of natural gas, will supply LPG to these new bottling plants from the LPG plant at Lakwa in Assam. 

The Lakwa plant has a capacity to produce 85,000 tonnes of LPG per annum for meeting the requirement of about 6 lakh domestic consumers, the release added.

Three-day session of Tripura Assembly begins 

Agartala, Nov 21 : The three-day winter session of the 13th Tripura Legislative Assembly began here today. 

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tapan Chakraborty said besides regular business, a new Bill regarding the constitution of commission for religious minority would be tabled in the House. 

Leader of the Opposition Ratan Lal Nath criticised the Left Front government and alleged that it was trying to avoid the Assembly fearing the Opposition members. 

''We have some serious issues to discuss in the House like the serial of blasts in Agartala, growing incidence of road accidents, nexus between Jihadi elements and CPM MLA Sahid Choudhury and fake Scheduled Caste certificate of a Left Front MLA, but do not know whether we will able to raise these in the session,'' Nath added.

Former Assam minister dies 

DIBRUGARH, NOV 20: Former Assam minister and veteran Congress leader Haren Bhumij died here last night following protracted illness, family sources said. 

He was 69. 

Bhumij was Flood Control minister in the two terms of Hiteswar Saikia governments.

He was also a member of parliament representing Dibrugarh constiuency in the Lok Sabha. 

A former professor of Kanoi College here in the '70s, Bhumij had joined the Congress inspired by then prime minister Indira Gandhi when he was the Dibrugarh university controller of examinations, the sources said. 

The former minister was unwell for the last three months after he had suffered a stroke, the sources said. 

2 NLFT ultras surrender 

Agartala, Nov 20 : Two militants of the outlawed National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) Bishwamohan faction surrendered before the special branch officials of the state police at Manu in North Tripura and deposited 10 rounds of SLR ammunition.

Police here today said the militants, who surrendered yesterday, were identified as Kusumlal Tripura (35) of Manu and Kansiljoy Reang (23) of Kanchanpur. 

They were involved in various crimes and insurgency activities, including killing, kidnapping and extortion in the area, police added. 

In a separate incident, Assam Rifles jawans recovered an AK-56 rifle from an abandoned Jhum house (constructed for shifting cultivation) in the forest area during search operations last night, but nobody was arrested in this connection.

Assam to have new trade promotion authority 

Guwahati, Nov 19 : In keeping with its pursuance of attracting foreign investors and promote industrialization, Assam would soon have a Trade Promotion Authority. 

The state Cabinet put its seal of approval on setting up such a special purpose vehicle at a Cabinet meeting last evening, state Commerce and Industries Minister Pradyut Bordoloi informed today. 

The Trade Promotion Authority would be constituted on the lines of India Trade Promotion Organisation, which oversees the trade related activities under the Union Commerce ministry, Mr Bordoloi said. 

The new Authority will take over the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, Guwahati, the Border Trade Centres and Sutarkandi, and proposed Border Trade Centre at Dhakuakhana. 

Central team express concern on Karimganj border 

KARIMGANJ, NOV 19: Concern has been expressed by a central team on border management over lack of infrastructure at the Indo-Bangla in Karimganj which allow illegal infiltration and terrorists from Bangladesh with explosives to move around freely. 

The team led by secretary, border management, Janail Singh which yesterday visited the area considered one of the most sensitive among the 46 sectors of the country, felt lack of proper fencing and infrastructure have led to free movement of terrorists from Bangladesh, including HUJI. 

The team did not rule out the possibility of HUJI terrorists sneaking into the country through this sector and working as 'third force' suspected to be involved in last month's serial blast in the state, sources in the central team said. 

In order to check this trend the porous border have to be totally sealed, the team said. 

The team also probed reports that at least 187 Bangladeshi nationals who had come to the country with proper passports were missing since 2005. It will submit a report to the Centre on it, the sources said. 

Top ULFA fugitive arrested in Assam 

Guwahati, Nov 19 : The deputy commander of ULFA’s ‘B Company’ Ram Singh, alias Mintu Borgohain, who had eluded the security forces since years, was arrested during a joint operation by the Army and police in Upper Assam’s Sivasagar district early today.

Singh, one of the most wanted ULFA leaders, was arrested from the Jablating area along with his wife Junti and four-month old son Himangshu. A pistol, some bullets and incriminating documents were seized from his possession, police said. 

Trained in Myanmar and Kaching, Singh had joined the ULFA 20 years back and was involved in a number of sabotage strikes in the state, particularly in Upper Assam. 

After the ULFA’s ‘A’ and ‘C’ company declared a unilateral ceasefire, Singh continued to his allegiance to the ‘B’ Company led by Sujit Mohan. 

However, ULFA leadership did not give him any significant position after the entire ’28 battalion’ was reconstituted after the desertion of two of its companies.

Six injured in tiger attack 

Guwahati, Nov18: At least six persons were injured on Tuesday when they were attacked by a tiger in Assam's Nagaon district, official sources said.

The tiger pounced on the six persons at Gormukh Tengajan village, under Kampur police station, as they were going to pray at a mosque around 4.30am, the sources said.

The injured, aged between 30 and 35 years were admitted to the Nagaon Civil Hospital. The condition of two of them was stated to be serious.

Forest officials have rushed to the site and were keeping a watch on the tiger that was spotted by the local people after the incident, the sources added.

Three militants killed in encounter in Manipur

IMPHAL, NOV 18: Three unidentified militants were killed in an encounter with Assam Rifles personnel in Manipur's interior Chandel district, official sources said.

Sources said personnel of 4th Assam Rifles battalion on receiving information that some militants were roaming at Ajijang village area in Chandel district district raided the area yesterday.

As they stepped up the search operation, the militants fired upon them, sources said adding that in the ensuing encounter three militants were killed on the spot.

They said two AK 56 rifles, four magazines, one M-22 rifle and 206 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the spot.

The bodies have been sent to district hospital for post mortem and identification, sources said.

Over 355 persons including civilians were killed in militancy-related crimes so far in Manipur this year.

Three smugglers held, cattle seized by BSF

Shillong, Nov 18 : Three smugglers were arrested by the Border Security force (BSF) from different locations along the Bangladesh border and cattle worth Rupees 2,40,000 was seized from their possession.

BSF sources here yesterday said the smuggler was trying to smuggle the cattle into Bangladesh from Assam-Bangladesh border when they were arrested on November 16.

The BSF has intensified vigil and anti-smuggling drive in the riverine area of the Brahmaputra. As a result huge quantity of cattle along with smugglers and anti social elements are regularly being intercepted, the sources said.

ULFA, NDFB in league with Bhutan Maoists to remove king 

GUWAHATI, NOV 17: Assam's insurgent outfits ULFA and NDFB are in league with Bhutan-based Maoists to topple the King of that country for the Royal Bhutan army launching an operation against them, police claimed quoting an arrested Bhutanese Maoist. 

Police sources said Bhutan national Tenzing G Zangpo, who was arrested for his alleged role in the October 30 Assam serial blasts, had told interrogators that ULFA and NDFB were angry with the royal Bhutan government for launching the `Operation All Clear' to remove their camps on its soil in 2003. 

The Maoist group was also not happy with Bhutan government evicting Nepalese from southern Bhutan, he said during the interrogation. 

Tenzing said the plan for the explosions was hatched between August and September last year with logistic support provided by the NSFB in procurring vehicles for the car bombs and the ULFA supplying the explosives to be assembled in southern Bhutan. 

The police sources said quoting 48-year-old Tenzing that ULFA And NDFB were actively supporting the Maoists by supplying them with explosives. 

In June last year, NDFB had provided them with 50kg of TNT at the Bodo outfit's designated camp in Udalguri in Assam even after it had declared ceasefire in 2005.

The sources said Tenzing, earlier general secretary of the pro-democracy and human rights Druk National Congress of Bhutan, had fled his country in 1991 with his country's currency of Ngultrum (nu) 2.29 lakh after he joined the Maoist organisation.

Suspected NDFB militants severely beaten up  

Guwahati, Nov 17: Two suspected NDFB bike lifters were severely beaten up by the public and handed over to police in lower Assam's Kamrup (Rural) district today for allegedly attempting to steal a motor-cycle to use in bomb blasts, official sources said. 

The two presumably from the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, which is suspected to be responsible for the October 30 last serial blasts in Assam, decamped with a parked motor-cycle of a person in Rangiya. 

The bike owner on telephoning some people in the direction the two were heading, the public intercepted them and beat them up seriously injuring them, the sources said. 

The two admitted that they had been acting on orders and that the motor-cycle could be used for planting bombs in it for future blasts. 

They, however, did not reveal the names of those assigning them for the purpose, the sources said. 

Identified as Kiran Basumatary and Anush Rabha from Pakribari, under Jamalpur police station in Baksa district, the two were sent to the Gauhati Medical College Hospital. 

So far six Pulsar motor-cycles, an Indica car and a Maruti 800, the kind of vehicles favoured by the militants for car bombs in the serial blasts, had been stolen from Rangiya in the last one month, the sources added. 

Three militants shot dead in Manipur 

IMPHAL, NOV 17: Three militants were killed by police commandos in separate incidents in two districts of Manipur since Saturday, official sources said today.

Commandos attached to Imphal West district police station combing Langthabal Kabui area, about 15 km from here, gunned down two unidentified militants on Saturday night. 

On the same day, commandos attached to Thoubal district police station also shot dead an unidentified militant at Patpan Lamkhai area, about 40 km from here, the sources said. 

Commandos also recovered one pistol, one carbine, some rounds of ammunition from Langthabal Kabui area while one 9mm pistol with some rounds of ammunition were recovered from Patpan Lamkhai area. 

The bodies were kept at the morgue of Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital here for post mortem, the sources said. 

Over 353 persons, including civilians, were killed in militancy-related incidents so far in Manipur this year.

Two militants killed in encounter at Indo-Myanmar border 

MOREH (MANIPUR), NOV 15: Two militants were killed in an encounter between militants and Assam Rifles at H Mongjang village near Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur's Chandel district, police said today. 

The two were killed yesterday when they tried to infiltrate into the country from Myanmar border. 

Assam Rifles recovered one AK-47 rifle with ten rounds, two Chinese made hand grenades and a wireless set from the dead militants, the police added. 

Economic blockade eased for six days in Imphal 

Imphal, Nov 15 : A hundred trucks left Imphal today following the easing of the economic blockade, organised by the Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA), for six days on NH-39. 

The trucks stranded at the Manipur Nagaland border areas also reached Imphal safely. 

The decision to lift the blockade temporarily was taken by the SDSA following an appeal made by Works Minister K Ranjit to the students' body, saying the blockade caused tremendous suffering to the people. 

The economic blockade began on November 1 and it was organised in demand for the repair of the highway. 

As a result, all the oil depots were closed down and petroleum products sold in the black market. 

The prices of essential commodities had also skyrocketed. 

'' We will call off the blockade if proper initiatives are taken up. Otherwise it will resume after six days, '' the students' body said. 

Meanwhile, Mr Ranjit said the blockade had made it impossible to initiate the repair works, as the officials could not work freely on the Highway. 

According to him, some officials were abducted by suspected militants and ransoms were demanded for their release. 

The Minister added that some JCBs had started work on the Highway .

Janak Khendry to attend the GPC program  

Guwahati, Nov 14: An internationally renowned classical dancer and  choreographer, Janak Khendry will attend the Guest of the Month program of Guwahati Press Club on November 15 (Saturday) at 2 pm. Trained extensively in three distinct dance styles of Indian classical dances namely Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Manipuri,  Khendry will interact with the journalists during the program.

Born in India and now a Canadian citizen, Khendry has performed around the glob in thousand occasions during the last four decades. Khendry's forte is in choreographing works based on very rare philosophical subjects that have never been attempted as dance works, blending several different Indian classical dance styles and creating a new and powerful dance vocabulary.  

Khendry is recipient of several prestigious grants and awards including Nizam's Grant and Sangeet Natak Akademi award in India . In Canada he has received Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, Laidlaw Foundation (Ministry of Culture, Citizenship and Recreation), Canada Council for the Arts awards.

BSF patrol fired at in Assam-Meghalaya border

SHILLONG, NOV 11: Suspected rebels of the anti-truce faction of Dima Halem Daogah (DHD) today allegedly fired at a BSF patrol along the Assam-Meghalaya border.

There was no casualty, BSF sources said.

The DHD (Jewel) rebels opened fired at the troops who were conducting an operation in Langlut area in Assam's North Cachar Hills district along Meghalaya border, a BSF statement here said.

The security forces retaliated and chased the militants, but the latter managed to escape. There was no casualty on either side.

A massive combing operation was on to nab the rebels.

Meanwhile, another major explosion was averted in Assam today when BSF personnel detected a bomb-laden cycle in Western Assam's Udalguri district and diffused it later.

A statement from the BSF frontier headquarters here said the BSF personnel spotted the cycle, laden with a three kg time device, in the Mazbat area of the district that was rocked by clashes between Bodos and suspected illegal migrants last month.

The security men immediately cordonned off the area and called the bomb disposal squad,which diffused the time device that was time for 1600 hours.

The statement further said had the bomb exploded, there would have been heavy casualties as today was the weekly market day in the place and the area was teeming with commuters.

MNF MLA resigns, likely to contest as Independent 

AIZAWL, NOV 11: Ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) legislator H Vanlalthaliana, elected in 2003 from Lawngtlai seat, today submitted his resignation to the state assembly speaker Lalchamliana and the latter accepted his resignation, state assembly secretary Ngurthanzuala said. 

Vanlalthaliana, who is also chairman of Zoram Electronics Corporatioon Ltd (ZENICS), was denied party ticket and was likely to contest as an Independent candidate from his home turf against C Ramhluna of MNF, a senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer who recently availed voluntary pension as state Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. 

Sources close to Vanlalthaliana said that he has a fair chance of winning from Lawngtlai West seat (as per delimitation of seats) as he has been the son-in-law of Zungchem, a political heavyweight in the Lawngtlai district. 

Two militants killed in encounter in Manipur 

IMPHAL, NOV 11: Two suspected militants of banned Kanglei Yawol Kann Lup (KYKL), including a self-styled commander, were today shot dead by Assam Rifles personnel in an encounter in Bishenpur district of Manipur. 

Official sources said 7th battalion, Assam Rifles raided Kumbi Wangoo area in the early hours on receiving reports that some militants were roaming around in the area. 

The militants fired at the security personnel and in the ensuing encounter two militants were killed on the spot. 

One 9mm pistol and five rounds of ammo were recovered from the spot. 

A report from neighbouring Thoubal district said one of the victims identified as H. Indrajit (28) was the self-styled Commander-in-chief of KYKL in Thoubal district.

The bodies have been sent to Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital for post mortem. 

At least 320 persons including civilians were so far killed in militancy-related crimes in Manipur this year.  

NFR plans to introduce Agartala-Dharmanagar train service 

AGARTALA, NOV 11: The North-east Frontier Railway (NFR) was planning to introduce a local train service from Agartala to Dharmanagar in North Tripura district, the extreme point of the state. 

Chief Commercial Manager (CCM) J D Goswami gave the assurance at a high level meeting attended by state Transport minister, Manik De, Chief Secretary Shashi Prakash, Director General of Police Pranay Sahaya here last night. 

Goswami also informed that two more Passengers Reservation Service (PRS) would come up at Agartala and Udaipur in South Tripura district within a short time. 

On the demands by the state for introduction of air-conditioned coach and better/faster trains, the top official said these facilities could be available only when the present railway line would be converted to a broad-gauge line from narrow gauge.

The present line would be converted to broad gauge by 2011.

Wokha Deputy Commissioner recommends inquiry on Assam Rifles firing 

Kohima, Nov 8 : Deputy Commissioner of Wokha A. Wopen Lotha has recommended an inquiry into the firing by Assam Rifles in Wokha town on Thursday night when the Lotha tribe of Nagaland were celebrating Tokhu Emon festival at the Public Ground. 

Official sources said the DC, in his report to the Commissioner of Nagaland, has urged upon the Government to set up an inquiry into the blank firing of over 150 rounds when the festival was on. 

In his report, the DC said an Assam Rifles jawan, along with two local women, went to a hotel to book a room. When the manager said no room was vacant, the jawan started abusing him. Local youths present there, reportedly assaulted the jawan. 

Later the jawan came with some other jawans and threatened the manager, which enraged the local youths. On Thursday night some AR jawans in civvies picked up a quarrel with the youths, which turned into scuffle and later to firing in the air. 

A constable of the Wokha police station was also injured and admitted to hospital with head injury. 

Meanwhile, in a release issued here last night by Maj. Pallab Choudhury, PRO of the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North), said a high-level inquiry into the incident had been ordered. The Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Headquarter Nagaland Range (South) visited Wokha yesterday and met the civil officials and public leaders for fact finding and to take stock of the situation. 

It also said stern action would be initiated against erring Assam Rifles personnel if found guilty. It further said that Maj. Gen. J. 

P. Nehra, IGAR (N) had conveyed his solidarity to the Lotha community and expressed regrets about the incident. 

India-England ODI match in Guwahati is on: ACA 

Guwahati, Nov 8 : The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) today made it clear that the one-day match between India and England to be held here on November 29 was on. 

Allaying fear that the match would be shifted to Mohali following the recent bomb blasts, BCCI Vice-President Gautam Roy informed that the match was on. 

There was much confusion since late last night about the fate of the match. 

''But this is not true. We are working round the clock for the match and we will be ready by that time,'' said ACA secretary Bikash Barua.

Five miners injured in mine blast at Ledo

DIBRUGARH, NOV 7: A blast in Coal India Ltd mine in Ledo in Upper Assam for the second time within a span of three days, has left five miners injured while the death toll in the previous blast rose to two today.

A 'hot-air blast' occured around 10.15 a.M. As the miners were working in one of the shafts of Lachit Khani, an underground mine of CIL at Ledo in Upper Assam's Tinsukia district, CIL spokesman Dr Ranjit Dutta told reporter.

Stating that the injured Sidheswar Kalita, D Sanyasi, Gobind Newar, D Muslaya and Juman Prasad Tura were admitted to CIL hospital in Margherita, Dutta said.

Meanwhile, one of the seriously injured, L Pollaiya, in Tuesday's blast in which one person was killed and 18 others injured, died today at the Assam Medical College where eight others were admitted, he said.

Pollaiya and two others, N Satya Narayan and Bijoy Shankar Rajbhar, were to be shifted to Appolo Gleneagles hospital in Kolkata. The two others were however, taken to Kolkata, the spokesman said.

The injured were admitted to Assam Medical College hospital in Dibrugarh and in Indian Oil Corporation Hospital at Digboi besides, Margherita Civil Hospital, Dutta said.

Describing the air blasts as 'normal phenomenon' in coal mines, Dutta said, the blasts are caused by sudden air pressure increase which dislodges the coal particles which hit the miners injuring them.

He discounted possibility of a sabotage or any militant hand in the blasts.

Seven arrested for Assam serial blasts 

Guwahati, Nov 6: Seven persons were arrested today in lower Assam's Nalbari district for suspected involvement in the October 30 serial bomb blasts in Guwahati which killed 85 persons. 

Five others had been arrested earlier. 

The seven were arrested from the Dhomdoma area in the Nalbari district and had been handed over to the Guwahati police for interrogation, district Superintendent of Police Jitmol Doley told reporter. 

A Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed to probe the incident, would be going to Nalbari for investigation, Doley said. 

Immediately after the explosions, two prime accused -- Muzamul Haque and Anwarlul Haque -- were arrested from Lakhimpur on Tuesday following clues gathered from five persons detained the day before. 

The police said the prime accused duo were involved in a car theft racket and in duplicating the names of the owners of the vehicles which were used for the blasts in Guwahati and Bongaigaon. 

Three militants killed by police commandos in Manipur 

IMPHAL, NOV 6: Three militants were killed in separate incidents by police commandos in Thoubal district of Manipur, official sources said today. 

Sources said commandos, attached to Thoubal police station, raided Thoubal Khunou area, about 25 Kms from here last evening, following reports that some militants were roaming in the area. 

As they stepped up search operation, some militants opened fire at them, sources said adding that in the ensuing encounter, two militants were killed. 

One pistol and one grenade were recovered from the spot, sources said. 

Sources said commandos continued combing the area and after about one hour, they were fired upon by some other militants at a place about 50 metres from Thoubal Khunou area. 

In yet ensuing encounter, one militant was also killed, sources said. Over 310 persons including civilians were so far killed in militancy-related crimes in Manipur this year. 

Emergency medical, fire services launched in Meghalaya 

SHILLONG, NOV 6: Close on the heels of the serial blasts in neighbouring Assam that neccesitated the need for adequate medical and fire services, Meghalaya government has inked an agreement with the Emergency Management and Research Institute to provide free medical, police and fire services to the people. 

The EMRI will launch the comprehensive emergency response service through a three-digit toll free number, an official statement here said. 

A total of 30 ambulances will be deployed in a phased manner from January 2009, while the state government's public health and family welfare department would provide the facility for establishing the call centre and also bear the expenditure for the necessary equipment, software, running cost, human resources and administrative aspects. 

The calls would be answered by the second ring and the respond time would be 'extra-ordinary' in comparison to the existing ones, the statement said, adding the committed response time within a distance of 15 km will be 25 minutes or less. 

The EMRI will bring in technology and service to work towards improving delivery of emergency response, besides being a partner with hospitals in providing free stabilization for victims. 

The ambulances, equipped with GIS and GPS systems, will have all the necessary life-saving appliances, medicines and other equipments. 

The EMRI will also recruit, position and train required people, including pilots and medically trained persons who will be present in every trip made by the ambulance while transporting an emergency case to a hospital.

Assam Rifles officials seize uranium 

AIZAWL, NOV 4: The Assam Rifles personnel, deployed at the Mizoram-Myanmar border areas in a joint operation with the state police seized suspected uranium at Champhai town recently and arrested two persons in this connection, an official statement said here today. 

The statement said that the accused - Tawia (20) of neighbouring Manipur and Sangkhuma (58), arrested from Holiday Hotel in Champhai told interrogators that they procured the uranium, concealed in a bottle from Meghalaya to be sold in Myanmar. 

Police launched detailed investigation into the matter, the statement added.

Army columns deployed in Assam-Meghalaya border

SHILLONG, NOV 4: Several army columns have been deployed in the border areas of Assam's Goalpara district and Meghalaya's East Garo district following tip-offs about the presence of suspected ULFA militants in the area.

An army patrol was fired upon by suspected ULFA militants in the Rajasimla area of East Garo Hills bordering Assam last night. The troops retaliated but the rebels managed to flee in the dark. However, there was no casualty in the firing, army sources said today.

Soon after the incident, a massive search operation was launched in the place and adjoining forested areas bordering the states.

Additional columns of the Red Horns Division were also deployed in the areas, the source said.

80 kgs RDX used in Guwahati blasts 

Guwahati, Nov3: Nearly 80 kg of deadly Research Development Explosive (RDX) was used in the October 30 serial blasts in Guwahati alone, officials said today as investigators worked on sketches of the suspects. 

Forensic officials claimed that nearly 80 kg of RDX was used in the three Maruti cars planted at the three blast sites in Guwahati. The blasts that took place in several parts of the state claimed over 80 lives. 

"Such large quantity of RDX were never used to carry out explosions in Assam before as Ammonium Nitrate, with plasticers as propellants and Programmable Time Devices (PTD) were usually used to carry out a blast," said Padmapani, the Join