BREAKING NEWS

Injured anti-talk NDFB cadre arrested in Guwahati 

Guwahati, May 7: The Guwahati police Monday arrested a cadre of the anti-talk faction of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) from a rented house here, a police official said. 

The cadre was arrested from a house in the Gorchuk area of the city during an operation based on specific information. 

"The NDFB cadre, identified as Goutam Boro, had a bullet injury in his leg. He was injured in a cross firing in Udalguri district and had come to Guwahati for treatment," said the police official. 

The house was used as a shelter for the outfit in Guwahati, the police official said, adding that the owner of the house was absconding. 

The cadre has been sent to the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for treatment, he said. 

An investigation is on to locate more such shelters of the outfit in Guwahati, said the police official.

Nagaland FNR member passes away

Kohima, May 4 : Member of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and former Chairman of the Kyong(Lotha) Hoho Nyambemo Ngullie passed away in Wokha yesterday following prolonged illness.

In a condolence message Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said in the untimely demise of Ngullie, Kyong Hoho and the Naga society have lost a very capable leader who was known for his honesty, dedication and sincerity.

Mr Rio also said Ngullie was one of the pioneers in formation and the making of Naga Hoho.

Conveying his deepest condolence to the bereaved family, Mr Rio prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

FNR convener Wati Aier and members of the FNR mourning Ngullie's death, said he was a friend of the Nagas and the sturdiest of allies.

"We travelled together the 'Journey of Common Hope' of the Nagas for the last three years. His was one of the strongest voices for Naga reconciliation," the FNR said in a message.

A message from the Hoho described him as a man who dedicated his entire life for the service of the people and society and a perfect example to follow and learn a lesson from.

Manipur student commits suicide

BANGALORE, May 4: An engineering student hailing from Manipur committed suicide by hanging himself at his room in MICO Layout police station limits in South Bangalore on Thursday night.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-East) P.S. Harsha told media on Friday that Jakio Heisnam (20), a student of a private engineering college here, hanged himself with a rope from the ceiling fan following a spat with his girl friend.

According to the police, Heisnam was having an affair with a fellow Manipuri student for the past few years. When the girl visited his room on Thursday night, Heisnam had a quarrel with her saying she had not responded to his phone calls for nearly a week.

Following heated exchange of words, he took a nylon rope and hanged himself in the presence of the girl. She later told the police that she thought Heisnam was "kidding" and thus did not prevent him from hanging himself. The MICO Layout police have registered a case of unnatural death.

The police are also questioning Heisnam's friends and classmates to ascertain whether there was any other motive behind his suicide.

Manipur woman molested in Gurgaon

Gurgaon (Haryana), May 2: Police in Gurgaon have confirmed a report of a 23-year-old Manipur woman being molested at her home.

Police said that they registered a case after the unnamed victim contacted them. They said the victim had told them that she had forgotten to lock the door after entering her home.

The victim claimed that the police unnecessarily questioned her about why she was staying with her cousin brothers.

She confirmed that she was working in a shopping mall in Gurgaon and that the molestation had taken place on Monday.

Two killed, 25 injured in Assam bus accident

Guwahati, Apr 26 : At least two people were killed and 25 others were injured in a road mishap in Assam's Barpeta district on Wednesday night, police said on Thursday.

The incident took place at Garhchuk near Bajali on Wednesday night, when a wedding bus skidded off the National Highway.

"The bus on the way to Simala-Bajai Bhethua, when the driver of the vehicle lost control and fell off the highway," a police official said.

Two people, identified as Irak Bodo and Shukra Barman, died on the spot and 25 others were injured.

The injured people were rushed to a local hospital.

"Seven among the injured were referred to Guwahati Medical College Hospital in critical condition," the police said.

Two ULFA members, SI killed in exchange of fire 

Guwahati, March 16: Two members of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and a police sub-inspector were killed in an exchange of fire at Tongona village under the Kakopathar police station in upper Assam's Tinsukia district on Tuesday.

The encounter took place when SI Pranjal Saikia, along with his team, raided an ULFA hideout. The police officer was hit by two bullets fired by militants and he died on the spot. The police recovered one AK 56 rifle and a pistol from the slain militants. The police claimed that the ULFA militants were planning to target innocent civilians. 

“The police are extremely proud of the bravery and the supreme sacrifice of one of its finest officers Pranjal Saikia. Son of school teacher parents in Nagaon posted in Tinsukia district when he along with his troops killed two terrorists recovered one AK 56 and a pistol and saved many lives as these terrorists were planning wanton killing of civilian targets. We salute the brave soul,” stated an official statement issued by the Assam Police. 

Tuesday's encounter came a day after the anti-talk faction of the ULFA, led by its self-styled Commander-in-Chief Paresh Barua, triggered a bomb blast at the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters here on Monday night and later claimed the responsibility for it. 

Director-General of Border Security Force (BSF) Raman Srivastava visited lower Assam's Kokrajhar district on Tuesday for an assessment of Monday's ambush of a BSF patrol party in the Ultapani forest of the district. Eight jawans were killed and eight injured in the ambush on the BSF vehicle by suspected militants of the Ranjan Daimary faction of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB). 

Mr. Srivsatava met the injured jawans at the hospital and inquired about their condition. 

A red alert has been sounded all over the State in the wake of the ULFA's attack on the Congress headquarters and the NDFB faction's ambush of the BSF patrol team.

Militant injured in encounter 

Tezpur, Dec 6: An NDFB militant was injured in an encounter with police near Dhekiajuli in northern Assam's Sonitpur district, police said. 

A group of four NDFB insurgents exchanged fire with police at Batasipur, under Dhekiajuli police station on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border last night, police said. 

One of the ultras, identified as Robin Narzary, suffered serious injuries and was admitted to hospital, while the other three fled towards Arunachal Pradesh under cover of darkness. 

Police recovered a pistol, a mobile, a walkie-talkie set, bomb making materials and tools to make country guns from the spot. 

Ganja worth over Rs 3 lakh seized from BRO truck 

Kohima, Dec 6 : Kohima police today seized 700 kgs of contraband ganja, worth about Rs 3.5 lakh, from a truck belonging to Border Road Task Force (BRTF) at Phesama Check Gate at the entry point of Kohima. 

Official sources said that the BRTF, under the Border Roads Organization (BRO), was looking after the National Highways, including NH29, which was the lifeline of Nagaland and Manipur. 

The truck, carrying the contraband ganja, which was engaged on repairing works and maintenance of the NH29, was going towards Kohima from Manipur.  

Police intercepted the truck and recovered 700 kgs of ganja from the vehicle after checking.  

Police arrested both the drivers of the truck who admitted that the consignment was brought from Tadubi under Senapati district of Manipur and it was supposed to collect by some unknown party in Kohima. 

Police registered a case and investigation was on to apprehend the smuggling racket, the sources said. 

Two CRPF troopers kill each other 

Guwahati, December 06: Two paramilitary troopers killed each other following a heated altercation over a personal matter in Assam, police said on Monday. A police spokesperson said the two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers were on duty at a road patrol post at Tetelitol in Golaghat district in eastern Assam late on Sunday. 

"Probably the two got engaged in a verbal duel and fired at each other with their service weapons," a senior police official said. 

Trooper Rugnesh Singh from Rajasthan died on the spot while Venkatesh Berlu from Andhra Pradesh was admitted to a local hospital with bullet injuries on his chest. Venkatesh succumbed to his injuries early on Monday. 

3 IOC officials kidnapped 

Guwahati, Dec 6: Three IOC officials were abducted by unidentified miscreants from Dima Hasao area in NC Hills last night. More reports awaits

Five arrested with Agar trees, bear skin 

Agartala, Dec 2 : At least five persons were arrested for allegedly smuggling Agar trees and skin of bear at the tribal-dominated Hrangkhawlpara under Teliamura police station of West Tripura yesterday. 

Police said here today that acting on a tip-off, a joint team of Divisional Forest Protection Party (DFPP) and State Forest Protection Party (SFPP) had launched a search operation in the forest areas and arrested five persons. 

They recovered several pieces of trees and a few pieces of bear skin worth of Rs 2.50 lakh from their possession.  

The accused were identified as Badul Islam, Md Taizul Islam, Md Sahab Uddin of Hozai in Assam and Uday Hrangkhawl and Chintamoni Hrangkhawl from the village itself.  

During interrogation, the detained persons confessed that they had been collecting the pieces from different locations of Baramura hill over the past few years.  

''Our job is to collect the pieces, an ideal ingredient of making perfume, and take them to Assam,'' they confessed and added the trees go to Aizwal for processing before being exported to the Middle-East countries. 

Deo Nukhu inaugurates 'Shadow Play' at Kohima

Kohima, Dec 2 : The Unlock Entertainment, an NGO, in collaboration with the Nagaland Tourism department, staged the first-ever shadow plays, depicting the Naga folklores as part of the ongoing National Hornbill festival at the Naga Heritage village here. 

According to official sources here today, Advisor for New and Renewable Energy Deo Nukhu graced the occasion as the chief guest yesterday.  

Inaugurating the event, he said the 'Shadow Play' is an ancient form of story-telling.  

He congratulated the organisers for taking a bold step for introducing the creative art in Nagaland.  

He also urged the public to enhance their taste in creative art.  

''There will be six plays in one show and three shows a day. 

Some of the folktales of the Nagas to be showcased will include 'The girl who loved a tree spirit'-- a tragic love story of a mortal girl and a tree spirit'; 'Jina and Etiben'-- a tragic story of two lovers who could not be together'; 'Zemozou'-- a warrior's tale of a man who sought to seek revenge for the murder of his wife; 'Ramphan'--the story of a warrior who saves the village from a man-eating tiger'; 'The spirit basket'--a tale of how the animals came into our world, and 'Chukhieo'-- the guardian spirit of wildlife,'' the sources informed.

Nagaland Guv greets people on Statehood Day

Kohima, Dec 1 : Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar has greeted all sections of the society on the occasion of the 47th anniversary of Nagaland Statehood Day and paid rich tributes to the founding fathers of the state.

The Governor, on the eve of the Statehood Day last evening, said Nagaland has been making a steady progress in the social sector, education and health care sectors and the implementation of Central Government schemes particularly the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, the PMGSY and the National Rural Health Mission.

The state government has been organising road shows in different districts as a 'Government-Public, Interface' to educate people about the rich culture, tradition and development activities.

While it has met with some success, the road shows have also enabled our administrators to get acquainted with the dynamism and potential of the people at the grassroots.

He said the people elsewhere had improved their living standards by achieving a high level of literacy, by cultivating cash crops, by exploring employment opportunities within the country and abroad and by promoting tourism.

The need of the hour was to open up so as to let others know the Naga potential and Naga assets for only then can we hope to invite investments, he added.

The state government, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Naga Hoho, NGOs and the Security Forces are making commendable efforts to help enforce law and order and have been successful.

Of these, the initiative taken by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) deserves special commendation, he said.

Four NLFT insurgents surrender

Agartala, Dec 1: Four insurgents of banned National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) surrendered to police at Longterai Valley in Dhalai district, police said today.

The four NLFT ultras identified as Hatya Kumar Tripura, Bharatjoy Reang, Bhanu Debbarma and Rakhiram Reang surrendered to Deputy Superintendent of Police (Special Branch), Dhalai district yesterday, police said.

They also deposited two AK-47 rifles, 166 live cartridges and some documents.

Dabi appeals to kidnappers for safe release of Coal employee

Itanagar, Dec 1 : Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Tako Dabi today appealed to kidnappers for the release of Sanjoy Kumar without any pre-condition.

The Arunachal Pradesh Mineral Development and Trading Corporation Ltd employee was kidnapped from Kharsang in Changlang district on Novermber 24 by some unidentified gunmen.

The Home Minister had two rounds of discussion with top police officials regarding the kidnapping issue deputed by the company for overseeing the coal fields in Kharsang.

''The government appreciates the efforts of the state police, Central Para-Military forces, army personnel for their sincere efforts in handling the underground groups who have taken shelter in the jungles of Aruanchal Pradesh,'' he said.

As many as 143 different underground cadres were arrested from November 2009 to October, 2010 in comparison to only 56 who had been arrested during October 2008 to October 2009, official sources said.

Altogether, in the last two years, total surrender of underground cadres registered in police stations are 122.

The overall cases registered under IPC, local and Special Acts during the period from October 2009 to October, 2010 is 2,866.

Missing Journalist returned home

Guwahati. Dec 01: Journalist Khanindra Deka who had been missing for a long time had returned back to his native home today. It may be mentioned that on Nov 27 Deka's motor cycle was recovered from the opposite of RMS counter near Guwahati railway station. More report awaits.

Government official kidnapped in Manipur 

Inphal, Nov 30: Two suspected militants kidnapped a Manipur government official at gunpoint from the gate of his office in Imphal West district, official sources said on Tuesday. The militants who came in an auto rickshaw stopped the section officer of state fisheries department Ved Prakash on Monday at Lamphel area on the outskirts of the city and took him away. 

They said that the Lamphel police questioned all autorickshaw drivers after the kidnap. Militants also hurled a powerful grenade which did not explode at the residence of Imphal West district block development officer K Rajen in the same area on Monday evening, the sources said. 

Failure to pay extortion was suspected to be the reason behind the kidnap and attack.

Probe into 'killing' of villager by BSF launched

Agartala, Nov 30 : Police have launched a probe into yesterday's killing of a villager allegedly by Border Security Force (BSF) in Amzadnagar area of South Tripura. 

Official sources today said two separate cases had been lodged with the police by the BSF and the victim's family. 

The victim's family accused a jawan of 70 Battalion of BSF Amzadnagar BOP of attempting to rape one Tulu Aktar (19) and opening fire on her father Khoka Miah (45), sister Bina Aktar (16) and brothers - Abul Kalam (23) and Badsha Miah. 

All of them sustained bullet injuries and Khoka succumbed to wounds on way to Agartala Government Medical College, the family members alleged and said Abul was undergoing treatment. 

Meanwhile, the BSF maintained that Khoka was apprehended by the BSF for talking on a mobile number from Bangladesh near the wire fencing. 

When the villagers attacked the security personnel, the latter had to open fire for ''self-defence'', according to the BSF. 

Five abducted officials still remain untraced 

Imphal, Nov 30 : The five Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) officials, who were kidnapped by rebels on November 27, still remained untraced. 

Police today said efforts were on to trace the officials, including two Assistant Engineers (AEs) and a Section Officer (SO), who were abducted by suspected Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) while they were on way to Tadubi in Senapati on National Highway-39.  

Those who were abducted had been identified as H Ganeshwor, K Rameshwor, Nsomi, K Manigopal and A Ibomcha, police added. 

Section Officer of Fisheries Department Ved Prakash, who was kidnapped by suspected cadres of the KCP, managed to reach home after escaping from the clutches of the militants in Bishenpur district.  

Mr Prakash reached his residence yesterday at Lamphel in Imphal. 

He was abducted by KCP (MTF) cadres from his office on November 26. 

Businessmen in Dimapur issue 7-day ultimatum 

Kohima, Nov 30 : The businessmen in Dimapur, who have embarked on an indefinite closure of business establishments since November 27 to protest the abduction of one of their members by miscreants, today issued a seven-day ultimatum for the fulfilment of their demands. 

The agitators also took out a procession in Dimapur and submitted a five-point charter of demand to the Dimapur Deputy Commissioner yesterday. 

The businessmen, under the banner of Dimapur Chamber of Commerce, demanded that the miscreants who kidnapped one of their members be arrested and exemplary punishment be given to the culprits.

3 held for abortive abduction attempt on Gammon official 

Itanagar, Nov 29: Three persons were arrested for their alleged involvement in connection with the failed abduction bid of an official of Gammon India Private Ltd in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, over a month after the incident. 

The three were on run since October 22 following the failed attempt to kidnap Gammon Project Manager S K Nath and attack on him, Superintendent of Police Kime Aya said . 

They were arrested yesterday from Seppa and identified as Togung Yangfo, Hassang Tajo and Akik Tungi. 

Six men, armed with AK 47 and pistols, tried to kidnap Nath, manager of the project executing the all-important Seppa-Chayangtajo Road in the district, and shot at him when Nath resisted. 

Aya said with the arrest of the trio, all the accused in the attempted abduction case were now under police custody and different cases had been lodged against them.

Youth allegedly commits suicide 

Imphal, Nov 29: A college student from Bishnupur district allegedly committed suicide on Sunday at Uripok here. 

It is stated that he was in love with a girl and she had left him some weeks ago. 

He came to the house of the girl on Sunday morning and allegedly injured himself with a sharp weapon. 

The profusely bleeding youth was rushed to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, where he died. 

Shot dead 

In another incident, unidentified persons shot dead a handcuffed and blindfolded person at Phumlou Keiroi. 

The body was found by morning walkers on Sunday. 

In another case, women staged a sit-in protesting against the grenade attack on the house of a 50-year-old woman. Her son-in-law's house was attacked some days earlier. 

No militant group has claimed responsibility for the incidents so far. 

Students feared drowned in Dibru river 

Guwahati, Nov 29 : Two tenth standard students, feared to have drowned in Dibru river inside Dibru Saikhowa national park in eastern Assam's Tinsukia district yesterday, remained untraced after more than 24 hours. 

Two students, Manish Singh and Tushar Pandit of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Tinsukia, had crossed the Dibru river on a hired boat with some friends yesterday for a picnic.

Their friends, who returned in a different boat, reported that the duo was swept by strong current when they entered the river for a bath. 

Rescue operations were launched yesterday and are being continued today, though the boys remained untraceable.

Missing Journalist’s bike recovered

Guwahati. Nov 27: Missing journalist Khanindra Deka’s motor cycle has been recovered from the opposite of RMS counter near Guwahati railway station. More report awaits.

Exhibition of Paintings of US artists opens at Kohima 

Kohima, Nov 27 : 'Parables for a Compassionate Revolution', an art exhibition organised by Heather Layton of University of Rochester, US, was today declared open here at Dream Cafe by the Commissioner and Secretary of Department of Art and Culture Himato Zhimomi. 

Inaugurating the painting exhibition in which 13 paintings were exhibited, Mr Zhimomi said the initiative would boost the ideas and directions of the artists in Nagaland to strive for a new direction of arts and paintings. 

''Paintings speak language that is understood by the artists and art lovers. They convey messages to masses. The event will inspire them to exhibit their creations in the international art arena,'' he added. 

He also appealed to Ms Layton to witness the famous tourist event of the country the Hornbill Festival, which will begin at the Naga Heritage Village at Kisama, showcasing the tradition and vast culture of all Naga tribes. 

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Layton expressed her gratitude to the organisers for inviting her to Kohima to showcase her paintings and it was a great chance for her life to see the rich Naga tradition and culture. 

Shurhozelie to govt officials: Work for public interest 

Kohima Nov 27 : Nagaland Urban Development, Higher and Technical Education Minister Shurhozelie has said that compromise with the administrative authority at the cost of the interest of people affects government's integrity. 

Addressing the 38th general conference of the Nagaland Civil Service Association (NCSA) officers at the Dimori Cove at Kigwema yesterday, Mr Shurhozelie said, ''The civil service is a body directly appointed to look after the functioning of the government. 

The NCSA is the most dominant and important association in the government functionary. 

''As members of a dignified association you must be prepared to carry out the responsibilities, which is increasing everyday,'' he advised and called upon the officers to serve the people and the government with total involvement and commitment.  

''Public interest must come first and thus you will exercise your powers,'' the chief guest said.  

Additional Chief Secretary and Nagaland Commissioner Banuo Z Jamir described the NCS officers as the pride of the state and exhorted them to familiarise themselves with Information Technology.  

NCSA president Imjung M Panger, in his welcome address, urged the officers to strengthen their bond with the people. 

SASO extends support to HIV/AIDS patients 

Imphal, Nov 27 : Social Awareness Service Organisation (SASO), and its consortium of three sub sub-recipients (SSRs), have been implementing CHAHA, a child-centered care and support programme for families and communities specially those affected by HIV/AIDS. 

CHAHA is the only large-scale national care and support programme for children affected by HIV/AIDS in India implemented in four high prevalence states, according to Y Shasikumar, General Secretary of SASO. 

The programme will wind up in March 2011.  

SASO today organised a meeting at its Imphal office to listen to children, caregivers and civil society representatives, discuss the urgent and ongoing need to provide a continuum of care to children affected by AIDS as a core element in India's efforts to mitigate the impact of the epidemic. 

During the meeting, interactions between children and caregivers were the main highlight. 

Life-term to policeman for attacking own camp 

Agartala, Nov 27: A local court today sent a policeman to life imprisonment for attacking his own camp in North Tripura district with banned insurgents and killing two of his colleagues. 

Additional Session Judge Bamdev Majumder today sentenced Rohid Mia, a constable of Tripura police to life imprisonment on charges of sedition, conspiracy and murder. 

Altogether 48 witnesses recorded their statement against the accused. 

DIG (Police Control) Nepal Das said," Rohid Mia, the in-charge of Shermoon Tilla camp of the Tripura State Rifles had given shelter to two banned insurgents of National Liberation Front of Tripura for two days and attacked the camp, killing two of his colleagues, while injuring three others and decamped with arms and ammunition." 

The incident occurred on September 23 in 2003 and the attackers fled with nine SLRs, one LMG, 20 grenades, two .303 rifles, 16 magazines and 1,285 cartridges. 

One among four abducted people escapes from ultras 

Agartala, Nov 27: One of the four people, who were abducted by National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) ultras from Patlongraipara village in Kanchanpur of North Tripura yesterday, has managed to escape from the clutches from the rebels. 

Police today said the person who managed to escape had been identified as Mankishore Nath (21), adding the rest - Billal Miah (45), Sadhan Nath (20) and Jiban Nath (22) - were still held in captivity.  

They were abducted by armed militants at gun-point. 

A rescue operation had been launched to rescue the victims, according to police.

ULFA Dy C-in- C Raju Baruah gets Bail  

Guwahati, Nov 26: The prospect of ULFA deputy commander-in-chief Raju Barua being enlarged on bail is beginning brightens. Today the CBI court granted bail to the Deputy Commander-in-Chief Raju Baruah in one of the cases pending against him. 

The court granted bail on the conditions that he would not be allowed to leave Assam and had to regularly report to the Local Police station.. Earlier TADA court granted bail to Baruah in three TADA cases.  

Raju Baruah’s family have already moved bail application for his release from the jail and if everything goes well Raju Baruah likely to be freed from jail in a day or two.

Asia International Literary Festival in Guwahati next month 

Guwahati, Nov 26 : The Asia International Literary Festival, 2010, is being organised here from December three in a first-of-its-kind meet in North East India. 

The meet will be attended by writers from six Asian nations, including Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal, Bhutan and Thailand, organisers North East Writers' Forum (NEWF) informed here today. 

NEWF president Arup Kumar Dutta said the objective of the three-day festival was to create a bridge between the members of NEWF as well as writers of NE and writers from other Asian countries as well as other parts of India. 

Informing that the theme of the festival would be ''Confluence'', Mr Dutta said,'' It will also expose young writers of the region to prevailing literary cross-currents in Asia while facilitating interaction with writers of other climes.'' The meet would have various interactive sessions, including topics such as literary trends, technical evolution and reflection of present times in literature. 

Among the writers, who have confirmed participation, are Bernice Chauly (Malaysia), Narayan Wagle (Nepal), Linda Christanty (Indonesia), Abisul Hoque (Bangladesh) and Chindawatana Pongsakorn (Thailand). 

Among other writers, those attending the festival, would be Mark Tully, Gillian Wright, Yajanta Mahapatra, Mahesh Dattani, NS Madhavan and Arundhati Subramaniam.

Abducted transport official released

Shillong, Nov 25 : The Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) freed the abducted Meghalaya transport official and his driver after 56-days of hostage, police said today. 

''R Syngkon, district transport officer of East Garo Hills district and his driver Wan-bormi Syngkon, were released unharmed by the GNLA militants last night at Samanda area,'' Superintendent of Police, East Garo Hills district, Sylvester Nongtyngner told media. 

Samanda is about 25 kms from Williamnagar, the district headquarter of East Garo Hills district. 

The GNLA militants abducted Mr Syngkon and his driver on September 30 from their residence at Williamnagar after he refused to pay extortion demands amounting to Rs 60 lakh. 

However, the intelligence sources said that the transport official and his driver, were freed after an amount of Rs 50 lakh was paid to the GNLA. 

The GNLA is led by Champion R Sangma, a trained 'deputy superintendent of police'-turned-rogue who had been fighting for 'sovereign Garoland' in Western Meghalaya. 

The nascent militant was maintaining a close operational relationship with other Northeast-based militant outfits--NSCN(IM), ULFA and NDFB. 

After 40 mins, rape victim dumped at Mongolpuri 

NEW DELHI, Nov 25: A 30-year-old BPO employee, who is from Manipur, was picked up by four drunken men near Dhaula Kuan and gangraped for over 40 minutes in a moving vehicle early on Wednesday morning. The woman was forced into the vehicle near Nanakpura gurdwara at 1.21am and found in a semi-conscious state in Mongolpuri Industrial Estate at 2am.  

According to the police, the woman has been staying in the area for the past four years. She and her colleague, also from the northeast, had told the cab driver to drop them outside the gate of their colony at 1.15am.  

They were walking towards the gate and were barely 100 metres from it when four men, who were sitting inside a tempo goods carrier, grabbed one of them. The other woman managed to escape.  

The four then took the woman to the rear of the tempo, which was open at the top, and sped off on Ring Road around 1.21am. Her hands were tied and mouth gagged by three of the accused.  

The other woman had, meanwhile, managed to run into the colony. She informed the PCR at 1.25am after which a manhunt was launched but the cops failed to trace the vehicle. Due to thin police presence and virtually no patrolling, the accused had a free run.  

The four then took turns in raping the woman at the rear of the vehicle and stopped a number of times to swap positions. One of them was driving while the other three were at the back.  

Around 2 pm, they dumped the woman at Mongolpuri Industrial Estate after which the traumatised victim somehow managed to call up her friend from her own mobile.

A police team rushed to the spot and took her to the hospital. Joint CP (southern range) Amulya Patnaik told TOI: ``We have registered a case and are investigating the matter. The four will be arrested soon. From the description given by the victim about the assailants, they appear to be workers or labourers.  

The cops have launched a verification drive of goods carriers in the area with the focus on all the places where goods were delivered in the past 24 hours.  

Meanwhile, the victim who has been under trauma is being counselled by an NGO.The cops said they have also informed the family members and an organization that caters to Manipuri women.  

A case under section 365 (kidnapping) and 376 (g) (gangrape) has been registered at Dhaula Kuan police station.  

Grenade blast at district official's residence 

Imphal, Nov 25: Suspected militants hurled two powerful grenades at the residence of an woman official in Imphal East district of Manipur, days after trying to kidnap her, police said. 

Police said the attackers hurled the grenades at the house of P Bimola, who holds the post of 'adhyaksa' (chief) of the district, at Achanbigei Mayai Leikai at around 8:30 pm last night but no one was injured. 

Bimola and her family members were present at the house at the time of the incident. 

The motive behind last night's incident was not yet known but police suspect that non-fulfilment of monetary demand made to her by militants could be one of the reasons. 

A few weeks ago, suspected militants tried to kidnap Bimola from her residence and her husband got injured as the ultras fired when he resisted their attempt. 

US Consul General to visit Nagaland during Hornbill festival

Kohima, Nov 25 : The US Consul General, Kolkata, Beth A Payne will be attending the inaugural ceremony of the Hornbill festival as the state guest on December 1 at Kisama Heritage village here. 

According to official sources here today, Ms Payne is likely to inaugurate one of the events of the famous tourist festival which would be showcasing the culture and tradition of all the Naga tribes at the Hornbill festival. 

The seven-day festival will begin at the Naga Heritage village in Kisama from December 1. 

She will have a brief press interaction during her stay in Nagaland, official sources said.  

Beth A Payne assumed her duties on August 1, 2008, the sources added. 

Three NLFT insurgents surrender in Tripura 

Agartala, Nov 25: Three insurgents of banned National Liberation front of Tripura (NLFT) have surrendered before Assam Rifles at Palanjaibari of Dhalai district, police said today. 

The three insurgents, identified as Krishnamohan Reang, Mitrojoy Reang and Dhanchora Reang, deposited one 9mm pistol and two rounds of cartridge to the Assam Rifles yesterday. 

The ultras were involved in cases like kidnapping and extortion of money.

Bomb recovered from bus in Assam 

Guwahati, Nov 22: A powerful bomb has been recovered from ASTC Passanger Bus near Teok Police Station during a routine checking. Bus was coming from Sonari to Guwahati today sources said..

Assam actress injured in road mishap

Guwahati, Nov 20: Assamese film actress Barkha Rani Baishya injured in a road accident near Bihupuria in Lakhimpur district of Assam on Saturday. She is the daughter of prominent film maker Ashok Bishoya. More reports awaited.

School girl gunned down in Assam

Guwahati, Nov 19 : A school girl Gita Rai of Kokrajhar High School was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at Fakiragram today morning. She hailed from Jodumoni Village in Kokrajhar district.  

However, the miscreants managed to escape. Search operation is on to nabbed the culprit.

12 killed as MI-17 helicopter crashes  

Guwahati, Nov 19: All 12 armed forces personnel onboard an IAF MI-17 helicopter were today killed when it crashed in Arunachal Pradesh. 

The 12 people, including 11 IAF officials - two of them pilots - and one Army officer, identified as Flight Lt Yadav, Flight Lt Nishant Rai and Lt col Nene died when the helicopter crashed at Bomdila area bordering China at around.12: 15 pm minutes after i.e 12:10 pm it took off from Tawang.. 

The reason behind the crash has not been established. A commission of inquiry has been ordered.  

5 killed, 25 injured in brick kiln blast 

Kohima, Nov 19 : Five persons were killed and twenty five injured when a brick kiln chimney exploded at I Hotovi village near Dimapur town's Kushiabil area last evening.  

According to official sources here today, the brick kiln was ready for burning the sun-dried bricks. 

Several onlookers were present there to see the ignition process of the kiln.  

When fire was fully lit and smoke started billowing out from the chimney, the middle portion of the chimney suddenly exploded and the upper portion collapsed.  

The debris of the chimney strayed all around and hit the onlookers, killing two persons on the spot and injuring several others.  

The injured were rushed to various hospitals of Dimapur town, where three others succumbed to their injuries.  

Several other injured persons are still in critical condition. 

Investigation was on to ascertain the cause of explosion, police said.

Militants escapes from Assam Court 

Guwahati, Nov 18: Two militants managed to escape from Diphu Court Premise in Karbi Anglong District in Assam today. 

Search operation is on till filing of this report. 

Five militants arrested in Manipur 

Imphal, Nov18: Five militants belonging to different organisations have been arrested from different places in Manipur, police  said today. Sources said Assam Rifles personnel arrested a member of banned People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Vice Chairman faction)--PREPAK-VC, identified as T Ojit (38) from Sekamaijin area in Thoubal district last evening.

In another search operation, a militant of Kangleipak Communist Party (Noyon) faction, identified as A Bir Singh (56), was arrested by the Assam Rifles from Kakching area yesterday in Thoubal district, sources said adding one 9 mm pistol was recovered from him. 

In yet another search operation, police commandos arrested two militants of Kangleipak Communist Party (Lalheiba faction) identified a K Naoba (22) Kh Raghu (49) from Nongren area in Imphal east district yesterday, sources said. 

Commandos also arrested a member of People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak identified as N Lokeshore (40) from Thongju area in Imphal east district yesterday, sources said adding that all the five militants have been handed over to nearby police stations for further investigation. 

Man rescued from abductors 

Imphal, Nov 18: Imphal West district police commandos on Tuesday rescued Thongam Dolan, the engineering supervisor of Manipur University abducted and held captive by militants for 5 days demanding a ransom of Rs. 72 lakh. 

Two militants of the outlawed People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) said to be involved in the kidnapping were arrested along with a 9 mm pistol and 5 live rounds of ammunition. 

Talking to journalists, L. Kailun, the SP of Imphal West district said that though Mr. Dolan was kidnapped on November 11 morning there was no formal complaint from the family members and that was the reason behind the inordinate delay in the rescue operation. However on receipt of information the police acted. Mr. Kailun said the engineering supervisor was held captive at the foot of the Arabati mountain in the Imphal East district. No shots were fired during the operation.

Naga Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Zuha

Kohima, Nov 17 : The Islamic festival Eid-ul-Zuha is being celebrated by the Muslim community of Nagaland throughout the state with traditional religious fervour and gaiety. 

The main prayer was held at the Assam Rifles ground of Kohima where over 7,000 Islamic believers of Kohima offered their mass Namaz (Payer), which was led by Maulana Badrudduja Qasimi, Pesh Imam of Jami Masjid of Kohima.  

After the prayers, people exchanged gifts and greetings. 

In Dimapur, prayers were offered at the DDSC stadium ground by the Muslim community and exchanged offers and greetings. 

Over 12,000 people offered the mass Namaz.

Id-ul-Zuha to be celebrated tomorrow 

Imphal, Nov 16 : Id-ul-Zuha will be celebrated throughout Manipur tomorrow. 

Preparations are on to celebrate it among the Meitei Pangal (Muslims) of Manipur.  

Congress president Gaikhangam has conveyed his heartiest greetings to the Muslim brethren. 

The Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) also greeted the Muslims on the occasion. 

Dr Nimaichand Luwang, president, Manipur People's Party, United Committee Manipur (UCM), president, Y Dilip and others have also extended their greetings to the people. 

On this day, the Muslims sacrifice a goat to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, who willingly agreed to kill his son at the behest of God.  

This festival coincides with the Haj pilgrimage in Mecca. Prayers are offered in the mosques and the sacrificial meat is then distributed following the Id prayers.

Militants escape in encounter with police in Meghalaya 

Shillong, Nov 15: Five suspected militants looting coal trucks on the national highway near Shalang in Meghalaya's West Khasi Hills escaped during an encounter with the police. The encounter took place last night when the drivers of the trucks informed the anti-dacoity camp at nearby Wahtre and police rushed to the spot, police superintendent M Kharkrang said. 

The miltants opened fire on seeing the policemen, who in turn retaliated. The exchange lasted for about 10 minutes. 

The militants, however, escaped into the nearby thick forest. 

Later, the police recovered one gun from the place, he said adding search operations are on. 

Poachers killed in Kaziranga 

Guwahati, Nov 15 : Two poachers were killed in an encounter with forest guards in Kaziranga National Park (KNP) in Assam in the wee hours today. 

KNP authorities said the incident was reported in Agratoli range of the Park after forest guards launched an operation to track a four-member gang of poachers.  

While two poachers were killed in the gunbattle, the rest managed to escape.  

A rifle and a bag of ammunition were recovered from the slain poachers. Search was on to trace the poachers who fled from the spot. 

BSF apprehends Bangladeshis, seizes cattle 

Shillong, Nov 15 : The BSF apprehended three Bangladeshis from Lattangtila border outpost area in East Khasi hills district today. 

BSF sources said here the trio was trying to infiltrate into India. 

They have been identified as Sunil Singha and Pradip Singha of Tilokpur village, Maulavi Bazar and Bakul Mia of Jamarkona village, Kamalganj in Bangladesh. 

Besides, BSF troops seized 58 cattle, liquor and other contraband items during the last 24 hours while these were being smuggled out to Bangladesh. 

The estimated cost of the seized items was Rs 16,33,800, sources said. 

The apprehended persons and the seized items have been handed over to the concerned department for further action, sources added. 

Scribes Body gear up to observe National Press Day tomorrow 

Kohima, Nov 15 : Preparations are in full swing for National Press Day in Nagaland by Kohima Press Club, Dimapur Press Club and Mokokchung Press Club that will culminate in day-long programmes tomorrow. 

The main function will be held at Kohima, where the Kohima Press Club and the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) will jointly organise a seminar at Kohima Press Club building on 'Global Warming and Climate Change'.  

Nagaland Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Public Relations, Economics and Statistics R Tohanba will grace the occasion as the chief guest. 

State Secretary for Forest Elusing Meru and Nagaland I P R Commissioner and Secretary M K Mero will be among others attending the occasion. 

Talar bags doubles title in Jr Badminton Championship 

Itanagar, Nov 15 : Promising player from Arunachal Pradesh Laa Talar, partnering Sai Tanuj of Andhra Pradesh, captured the Under-16 boys' doubles title in the 24th National Sub Junior Badminton Championship at Hyderabad last evening. 

Before turning the table, the duo overcame a stiff challenge from the more fancied pair of Aditya Joshi and Harsheel Dani from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra respectively by 21-18, 18-21 and 21-19. 

Earlier, 3rd ranked Talar-Tanuj duo outweighed the number one pair of Chatanya K P and Taitanya Reddy from Andhra Pradesh in the semifinal of the tournament on Saturday, before turning the tables on the 2nd ranked pair Joshi-Dani, sources said here today.

NEZCC raises curtain of NE Octave Festival, 2010

Kohima, Nov 13 : The North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) has kicked off the North East Octave Festival, 2010 at the NEZCC complex at Dimapur last evening which would be held in three cities of the country from November 18 next.

The Director of the North Central Cultural Centre, Allahabad Anand Shukla has graced the curtain raiser ceremony and showered praises on the rich cultural heritage of the Northeastern region terming it as the 'best in folk forms'.

He said that the main attraction of the cultural presentation from the region was the artistes and participants involved.

He hoped that the NorthEast Octave Festival, 2010 will instill a sense of integration between Northeast India and the mainland.

NEZCC Director Som Kamei, in the introductory speech, informed that about 400 artistes and participants from the eight states of North East would be performing in three states of Maharashtra (Aurangabad), Andhra Pradesh (Hyderabad) and Karnataka (Bangalore) from November 18 next.

State-level Youth Festival from Nov 16

Kohima, Nov 13 : The Department of Youth Resources and Sports of the Nagaland Government is organising the 11th state-level Youth Festival 2010 at the Indira Gandhi stadium from November 16 next.

According to official sources here today, the inaugural function of the festival will be graced by Secretary for Youth Resource and Sports Bendang Longchari and the programme will be chaired by Joint Director of the Department Arupe Zeliang.

In the closing ceremony, Director Youth Resources and Sports Sachopra Vero will be the chief guest and the programme will be chaired by Deputy Director of the department Shihokhe Sumi.

The highlights of the closing function will include a prize distribution ceremony, the sources added.

Tension prevails at Star Cement

Guwahati, Nov 13: Tension simmering over the construction of Star cement Factory at Sonapur Area today.

The CRPF jawans blank fired in the air to control the situation till filling of this report.

Two Children drawn

Guwahati, Nov 13: Two children were drawn into Dikho river in Sivsagar district today. The children came to participate in the Chat Puja. Rescue operation is on till filing of this report.

Chidambaram to visit Assam today

New Delhi, Nov 12 : Home Minister P Chidambaram will undertake a day-long visit to Assam today to review the law and order situation in the wake of killings by National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) militants and the proposed dialogue with ULFA.

He will also hold a meeting with Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, his cabinet colleagues and top civil and security officials.

Chidambaram is likely to suggest the security agencies in Assam to launch an all-out joint offensive against the perpetrators of the recent series of violence.

The Army, paramilitary forces and state police forces will take part in the operation against the ultras.

Chidambaram visit''s bears significance, as he will be accompanied by Centre''s interlocutor P C Haldar, who has been engaged with informal talks with jailed ULFA leaders including Arabinda Rajkhowa.

At least 24 civilians have been gunned down by NDFB militants in a series of attacks in Sonitpur, Udalguri and Baksa districts since Monday.

Protests ahead of CM visit in Rabha-Hasong areas

Guwahati, Nov 12 : Reports of sporadic incidents were received during a 10-hour shutdown called in Rabha-Hasong areas in Kamrup (rural) district, on the outskirts of Guwahati city, today to protest the visit of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to the area.

Protestors blocked the National Highway 37 running through the area and damaged several vehicles. They also tried to torch a truck.

A gate erected to welcome Mr Gogoi was also burnt down by the protestors.

Security deployment has been strengthened to foil any further attempts by the protestors to disrupt the chief minister's visit.

The Rabha-Hasong community has been demanding a sixth schedule autonomous council for the community.

Mr Gogoi is visiting Bamunigaon in Kamrup (rural) district to lay the foundation for a model hospital.