Amit's Updates from Nagaland, Manipur and Burma border between 19th march - 25th march 09

Hi Guys,

I am in Dimapur (Nagaland) today - 25th March and am off to Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) tomorrow - 26th March. My car was damaged due to bad roads, so they worked on my shock abs & suspension.The other repairs will be completed in Itanagar. Hyundai has been excellent support for me and I really thank them for what they are doing for my Mission. Unfortunately I only get a day or two so they can't complete the job and I have get it done at my next stop. They will do the balance work in Itanagar now.

I moved onto Shillong and got my ILP (Inner Line Permit) for Arunachal Pradesh for Itanagar & moved on to Dimapur to get my ILP for Nagaland. In Shillong it takes 2 days to get the ILP but the lady who issues the ILP saw my cause and immediately issued it to me so that I am not delayed.In Dimapur I met the DC (Deputy Commisioner) of Dimapur who was pleased to meet me and issued a letter of my entry into Nagaland without any formal ILP and I went through without any trouble or even checking. It seems that they were informed of my car at all check points and borders. He mentioned to me that there was a "Cease Fire" declared between the Govt. & the Underground Insurgent groups but the problem here was that the UG's still had loaded guns and were not given ration by the Govt. as other countries provide so when I addressed the press in Nagaland I mentioned it to them about what the DC told me and told them that the UG's should put their guns away and the Govt. should provide them food & clothing on humanitaian grounds. If they have loaded guns and empty stomachs, they will kill. They are extorting money and harrassing the public as the cease fire is between the Govt. & the UG's not the UG's & the Public, because of which the public are really scared. They printed my statement in the papers and the public were happy that I took it forward, now we are hoping that the Govt. provides ration for the UG's and their guns are put away to retain peace.

In Dimapur (Nagaland) I met the Editor Ms.Mrinalini & asst. editor John of the the Magazine The Northeast Window (of Nagaland) , they will be carrying my story and have become my Media Partners also like Dainik Sambad of Tripura, The Northeast Today of Meghalaya and will cover my story in the next magazine issue and following issues till I complete my drive to udpate the people of the Northeast of my progress. I then met the Lions Club of Dimapur who extended their support to my Mission. They informed the Lions Club of Kohima (Nagaland) & Imphal (Manipur).

A curfew was declared in Manipur the day I was entering, as an army chief was shot dead by the UG's. It was dangerous to enter Manipur and I was told not to enter by the army. But the public felt as a messenger of Peace my presence was required in Manipur and it would give them some hope, so I proceeded on to Manipur. At Dimapur the marketing head of Northeast Window and also a reporter for The Nagaland Post (Leading Daily of Nagaland) - Mr.Wangshi wanted to show his support to my MISSION by accompanying me to Manipur - the Burma Border and back to Nagaland so he could take down notes of my interaction with the public the Governors of different states & terrorists - if I come across them and carry it in the next issue of the magazine The Northeast Window and special edition of The Nagaland Post.

So Wangshi & I left for Manipur and met the press. Curfew means we have to empty roads by 6pm so we stayed with the BRTF again. We went on to the Burma border on Sunday. In the morning I was invited by the Lions Club of Manipur to innaugurate a free Health camp for diabetes & hypertention. They had built an Ashram in the name of a young Manipuri boy aged 23 who had drowned in bombay. This was opened in his memory. They made me cut the ribbon and formally innaugurate the ashram and talk to the patients, the doctors & the public. I met the mother of the deceased boy and paid my condolence and told her we all with her and that she should be proud of her son who had helped provide an Ashram for the people of Manipur. I lit a candle and agarbatti and moved on to the border.

At the border I met Major Abhishek of 20 Assam Rifles and was very touched by what they were doing. This Battalion had themselves, with no funds or help for the Govt. built a school for village children as the only school was an 8 km walk. So they collected contributions like cement bags, bricks, woods, sheets for the roof etc. The school was built in 4 months. Due to this, the villagers started loving and trusting them and have built stools of wood for the army without being asked in order for the travellers to sit while their vehicles are being checked at borders. The Assam Rifles also built a house by collecting Rs.15,000 from all the officers of their troop and presented it to a retired soldier who had lost his leg in the 1971 war. The boys here are aged 12-14 who become terrorists and the AK 47 & AK 56 and other weapons they carry are as big as them and it is sad. The officers have chosen young village boys who are good in athletics & sports and have sent them to the army school for training who have now been chosen for the Olympics. This is so commendable. They are now building a community centre where women can do sewing and stitching and the young can play. They need some funds for cement so I am trying to arrange it so that it is ready by April. The army are doing a lot for the villagers and humanity.

Th Indo - Burma border is divided by an "IRON BRIDGE". It is easy to penetrate and the border is porous like Bangladesh. Lot of smuggling happens here. Tiger skins & teeth & bones and weapons & drugs etc. Tigers from Assam & drugs from Manipur & Nagaland which they grow and weapons from all over Northeast. Weapons are so cheap you can buy an AK 47 for Rs.10,000.

We crossed the border and returned back to Imphal. The roads are TERRIBLE. The Manipur - Nagaland - Burma roads are the WORST roads in INDIA. It takes 4 hours to cover 100 kms.

I met the Governor of Manipur (Ex Police) and proceeded on to Kohima to meet the Nagaland Governor (Ex Politician). I met 2 Governors of 2 states in the same day. It was a real hectic day.I stayed at Kohima and visited the World War 2 cemetery.

I then visitied th president of Horticulture for Nagaland. Nagaland is he only state in India where 95% of the land is owned by the people and only 5% is owned by the govt. Horticulture is big in Nagaland. They have the spiciest red chillies in the World called "Raja Mircha". They have oranges as big as watermelons which weigh 3 kgs each. They have the best pineapples and cucumbers and many spics too. All really cheap. So I was discussing a proposal of starting an industry in Nagaland and Manipur to help employment. Once there are jobs for the people, the UG' terrorists will definitely throw in their weapons and come to the mainstream - who doesnt want peace and a happy life with their family and loved ones? We all feel once there are jobs, the men will work, there will be schools for the children and handicraft work for the women, this will keep them occupied as well as tgive them a source of income and happiness and all would live in peace and harmony and end this killing..Sikkim needs a hospital, Tripura needs schools, Mizoram has no theatre or hall or any entertainment, they need an entertainment centre, Nagaland & Manipur need industries and all 6 border states need comunication, railways and better roads. It can be a tourist hub of the world as it is critical being surrounded by 5 International borders.

I then visitied the Kohima Orphanage which is run by The Mother Teresa of Nagaland. They call her "Amma". It is 10 kms from Kohima.I spent a few hours there and heard her full story. She started in 1973. She wants to have an orphan's day on 16th April because a child she brought up in that orphanage used to ask her, that if there is a fathers day & mothers day & childrens day, when is orphans day? That child died on 16th April so she wants to name it in his memory. She requested the Govt. who refused. She has requested me, so I will voice it further and try and make it known and celebrated that 16th April is "Orphan's Day". They require a mini bus as they have 30 kids who go to school 18 kms away and it costs Rs.25 per head = Rs.750 per day. So she needs a bus for the kids. Please see if all can help. She has been given awards by govt & governor and even Nita Ambani, but she says whe doesnt want awards she wants a bus for the kids to go to school. She has brought up 697 kids alone till now. Wongshi made a MISSION for himself to help her now and thanks me for helping him also get a MISSION in his life - the ORPHANS. Amma gave me and my car her blessings and gave me a Naga name "VIKKEHIELE" meaning Conqueror - who gets love and success as he moves on in life. It was very touching. So I now have a new Naga name and have become part of the Nagas.

I then drove 16kms short of Dimapur to Patkai College to address the students and teachers. Spent a couple of hours there and drove into Dimapur. I spoke about the Northeast and India and my MISSION and had an interactive session with the students and teachers and Principal & Dean. They want to feature me in their college magazine as they felt motivated by what I am doing.

I then drove into Dimapur and my car was damaged due to the bad roads. HYUNDAI has been excellent support and have taken the car this morning and returned it this evening so I move onto Itanagar - Arunachal Pradesh - my last North Eastern state.

I have felt the pain of the North East and I am part of them now and have to work on their development and progress and request you all to support me.

I am sending the Agartala (Tripura) newspaper clippings in this mail.I will send the Mizoram & Manipur & Nagaland newspaper clipping later.

I will write to you all next week. Take care and keep spreading the word.

Thanks & Regards

Amit Rajan Lall

Amit's Updates from Assam, Shillong, Chirapunjee, Bangladesh and Tripura (2nd - 9th March 09)

Hi Guys,

I just reached Agartala (Tripura) today 9th March.

In Guwahati (Assam), I met the Assam Students Union (ASU) President who are very active and powerful in Assam.They have come forward and extended their support to my MISSION. They were very kind and presented me with the traditional Assam Scarf & a cup.They have a union called NESU (North East Students Union) which comprise of all 7 states (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland & Arunachal Pradesh). I will be meeting the President in each state. They have asked for my support to fight for the equal rights of the North East. NE has been neglected and has not got the same treatment as the rest of India. I am now talking to the press & media about the North East.

In Shillong (Meghalaya) Mr.Rajoo Sharma, the Editor of the the Magazine The Northeast Today (TNT) , will be carrying my stroy. This magazine is owned by the king of Tripura. I will try and meet him later in my journey. Shillong has the main Headquarters of all forces. The Eastern Air Command is also here. I met the Commanding Officer Wing Commander Mr.Balram Singh of the Air Force (Eastern Air Command). Air Marshal Bhan was out of town. They presented me a small token as I presented them with the Indian Flag.

I met the ITBP. (India Tibet Border Police), The Army 101, The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) - Chief, The Border Security Force (BSF) officers & commanders & finally the Assam Rifles. The Assam Rifles are like the army who are all over the north east in every state. I met Brigader Amarjit who presented me with a special cup of Assam Rifles & the Assam Rifle Cap.. I have a collection of caps from most of the armed forces now. I stayed at the DGAR (Directorate General Assam Rilfes) Guest house. It is beautiful.

I drove down to Chirapunjee from Shillong which is approximatley 60 kms from Shillong. I then drove down further from Chirapunjee to the Bangladesh border which is another 40 kms below Chirapunjee. I reached the Bangladesh border and saw the fencing all around. I saw an open fence and drove through thinking that there would be a fence with closed gates which would be the border. Apparently the gate I drove through was the Bangladesh border. I was then called back by 2 BSF officers who were behind the tent where I could not see them, and upon seeing my car called me back and told me that I had entered Bangladesh and I should come back. This was the time there was chaos in Bangladesh by the BDR (Bangladesh Rilfes) where you all must have read in the papers or seen in the news about a mutiny by the Bangladesh soldiers. It did not effect the border I was at and so I proceeded a few kms further to the BSF camp where I met the commanding officer & other officers. They were very nice and had heard about me from the Assam newspapers.

I then proceeded on to Silchar. It is a central point in Assam at the border of Meghalaya, Tripura & Mizoram. It is the safest point to reach to enter each state. I stayed with the Assam Rilfes in their guest house here also and proceeded to Agartala (Tripura). I was to stay at Vairangte which is closer to Mizoram. They have a school and HQ of CIJW (Counter Insurgeny Jungle Warfare). I decided to go to Agartala first. It was a beautiful drive. All dense Jungle. There are army convoys here. You cannot travel alone without a convoy to Agartala. The convoy is with you for approximatley 100 ms out of the 300 kms drive. You lose a lot of time as they go real slow. At some point a truck broke down so the convoy has to stop. I told them I had to reach fast, so they told me I could go at my own risk. I told them I do and carried on without the convoy to Agartala. Though I drove alone on the mountains there were army troops with heavy weapons every kilometre on the lookout. It was like driving through a war zone. Not a very comfortable feeling..

I reached Agartala Safely and stayed with The BRO (Border Roads Orgnisation) at their guest house. I have my press meet tomorrow 10th March.

I have attached the newspaper clippings of write up I got in Assam & Shillong. Assam - Times of India The Assam Tribune & The Sentinel. Shillong - Local paper, Mehgalaya Guardian & Shillong Times. These were the only papers I could collect before I left the state. They informed me that more papers had covered the story and many people have called in showing support. News channels showed it in the news on the days I was there. There are a few mis prints and wrong statements in the papers. For eg. my mother is absolutely fine, they have written otherwise.

I am sending the Assam newspaper clippings in this mail & the Shillong paper clippings in the next mail as the size is large.

I will write to you all next week. Take care and keep spreading the word.

Thanks & Regards

Amit Rajan Lall

Amit's updates from Assam

Hi Guys,

I am in Guwahati (Assam) right now 1st March. I have been here last couple of days. I have driven over 8,000 kms now. As mentioned to you all, Sikkim was the most beautiful place I have been to so far. I had gone for the innaguration of the 1st Childrens (upto age 13) "Budding Club" opened by NYK (Nehru Yuva Kendra) in Gangtok (Sikkim). I was honoured as their chief guest, which I was not aware of. They gave me so much love and respect which touched me very deeply. They mentioned my MISSION to all the children & their parents. The head of NYK made me wear the local Sikkim Cap and extended the support of NYK all India. The children & their parents made me write small messages for all of them on small chits of paper, in books & rupee notes.They made me feel really special and showed me that the whole of SIKKIM is with me in my cause and my MISSION is thier MISSION. This function was held at St.Paul's church. I went and prayed in a church after years. It felt good.Father Michael gave me his blessings on my MISSION.

After the inauguration, 2 wonderful girls (Dil & Treza) of NYK took me on a tour of SIKKIM in my car and we went to a Buddhist Monastery which is beleived to have tremendous powers and they say that no prayer goes unanswered in that Monastery. Then we went to the famous Hanuman Tok temple. It is beleived that when Laxman was hit by an arrow & Hanuman went to get the Sanjeevani, the mountain was located in Tibet. He lifted the mountain and had to fly back immediatly, he never took rest, but he did stop for a while, where he only rested his one foot, and the place he rested it was in Gangtok, Sikkim and that place is known as Hanuman Tok, the temple which we visited.

Wow! A Church, a Monastery & a temple in the same day . My MISSION has to be successful!!!. This is the secular India I pray for and is also part of my MISSION, to see tolerance and love towards all religions and everyone living happily in peace in harmony in one Country - Our INDIA.

To show their support, 3 girls of NYK (Sarita,Dil & Treza) accompanied me in my car from Gangtok to Rangpo (Sikkim border) the next day. They were completely cramped as there is no place in my car. It was very sweet of them as they put stickers of NYK saying "My MSIION is their MISSION" and SIKKIM is with me. Zee News waited for me at the border, where I bid farewell to everyone and took off for Phunshilling (Bhutan).

I reached Phunshiling, Bhutan at 7.00pm on 26th Feb. The border is amazing! You cant make out which is India & which is Bhutan. The people are all mixed and walk across the border and mingle with each other and shop and trade openly. My friend and member of "Round Table India" (Calcutta) has his office in Bhutan, so his people came to receive me at the border and took me to my Hotel. I stayed at Hotel Druk, and met the GM of the Hotel in the morning who gave me a warm welcome into Bhutan, took pics with me, introduced me to all his guests in the Hotel who were from different parts of the world and many from different parts of India (a couple of guests from Calcutta & North East called media guys they knew in a few North Eastern states and asked them to cover my story as they found it very inspirational and asked them to welcome me when I reach the North East) & they all jointly saw me off as their support for my MISSION as I left for Guwahati (Assam) which was very touching.

In Guwahati (Assam), I am thankful to Mr.Rajendra - President of "Country First" who is on the board of GNRC (Guwahati Neurological Research Centre) - the biggest Medical centre in Guwahati, who arranged the GNRC guest house for me and I was welcomed by GNRC members. I met the Chairman Dr.Bohra who welcomed me with a bouguet of flowers the next morning and the traditional Assamese scarf. I presented him with the Indian Flag as a token of my appreciation.I then met the PRO of the Army who informed me that the day I arrived, 20 militants had just surrendered to the Army and my arrival into Assam was perfect timing. I was escorted my the Army & Press to the Army Base where there was a function where I saw the 20 militants put down their weapons and surrender. The Army accepted them warmly and have given them a chance to get back to a normal life and serve the Country. They were young boys and 2 girls also. after the ceremony, I met the GOC - Head of the Army there, who presented me with a gift on behalf of the Assam Army and I presented him the Indian Flag. He was inspired by my MISSION and asked me to meet different army bases in the North East to talk and inspire the Jawans and show my support to them as they show their support to my MISSION. They invited me to stay at their army bases in the North East. Seeing the surrender was a unique experience.

I have a press meet tomorrow and am also meeting the Assam Students Union (ASU) who are very active and powerful in Assam.

I have attached the write up of Sikkim Express mentioning the Rotary support I received in Gangtok, Sikkim.I have also attached the Assam coverage.


Amit Rajan Lall
President
ITL Liningz

The days of slumber are over...

"Yesterday, Payal Parekh and Ann-Kathrin Schneider, two staff members of International Rivers, unfurled a banner at the opening ceremony of the World Water Forum in Istanbul. The banner said, No More Risky Dams. The action was totally peaceful, and many people in the audience applauded. The police immediately detained Payal Parekh and Ann-Kathrin Schneider, and held them at an Istanbul police station all day and night. This morning, Ms. Payal was deported to the US, and Ms. Schneider, to Germany. They have been banned from re-entering Turkey for two years,” an International Rivers press release, issued yesterday, said.

Do we want to go the Turkish way i ask??? Affected people around the world are fighting to be heard, protesting against the injustice that they no longer want to suffer, fighting in their own way against serious human rights violations, including intimidation, judicial policies, teror attacks, the governanace..its right and wrong the way the common man sees it...don;t we have a right to raise our voice???

And if you cannot come forward and raise your voice, let one man who has been brave enough to embark on a mission for peace and unity be your voice. We need to come out and support him, not gun him down with our cynisism. He is alone , a one man army and is garnering the support of NGO's in local districts to spread the word, to motivate the youth to come forward and take charge of your country, to take up small localized causes, be it poverty, infrastructure, political incorrectness, it is still an effort in the right direction. The tide will only flow and take on larger proportions if you all come forward and support!! Pledge today to support atleast one cause in your local community, and see how it takes on momentum, the days of slumber are over...Our ancestors fought to give us this freedom, now we need to fight to retain it and pass it on to our children..Please join in and reach out...contribute your opinion and be heard!!! Its a very small price to pay for living in a FREE INDIA. You owe the country that much!!
Thank you
Shefali
Blogger - "Second Freedom Movement"

The Arunachal Times

Drive for peace and unity

ITANAGAR Mar 26: Peace and unity is what made this man cover the entire country.

Mumbai businessman Amit Lall (37) started ‘The Drive for peace and Unity’ from the Gateway of India, Mumbai on January 26 and today it has reached Itanagar. Amit has been 60 days on the road and Arunachal is the 18th state.

He is spreading the message through his passion, ‘driving’. He is driven his 8 years old Hyundai car across most part of the country.

He arrived this evening minute before the storm hit the state capital. He travelled 10, 500 kms to spread the message of peace, love and unity and also start a movement called the 2nd freedom movement.

His drive for peace and unity started after the Mumbai carnage last November. Determined to bring the people of the country together, Amit wants to convey his strong sentiments against the enemies of India.

“If we are united as one India there is no force in the world that can touch or break us. It’s the spirit of oneness that will overcome all odds” he says.

He also wants to salute the armed forces and jawans who have put their lives on the lines so that the people can live in freedom.

Everyday jawans dies in the border areas guarding our borders yet we have failed to understand and value freedom, he said.

After entering the North East and spending one and half months here my mission changed, he said and added that north east has been badly neglected and the Centre is minting out step motherly treatment.

Even the national media has failed to in its part to highlight the problems and issues of the people of the north east. People of Mainland India have no information about the North East, he said.

I find the people of the northeast more patriotic, genuine, kind, humane and more Indian then anyone else in the country. I would join in the fight for rights of the north east people, Amit added.

He’s also trying to unite all the NGOs across the country under one banner the ‘United Force of India’. It’s time we stop depending on the centre to help us, Amit said and added that under one platform all NGOs across the country can help one another.

Amit is targeting to bring about positive change through the youths of the country. It’s time the young people take active part and take the country in the positive direction, he added.

On Tourism, Amit said that if proper investment, planning and care are put into this sector northeast will become the hub of tourism in the world.

There is no plave that is more beautiful, rich in diversity and ethnicity than the northeast, he added.

The Taj groups of hotels are sponsoring his stay in various cities across the country while the BRTF are taking care of his stays in other parts. Hyundai is sponsoring his vehicle expenses while petrol is self sponsored.

Amit will be meeting Arunachal Pradesh Governor General J J Singh tomorrow and NGOs working in the state.

He will then travel to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, border areas of Pakistan, Delhi and then return to Mumbai to end his drive.

But my work will not end with this drive, it will continue, Amit said and added that he will be in Aizawl sometime in June next to celebrate tpeace.

An event will be organised where in people of all over northeast are expected to participate.

Amit in Imphal, Manipur (21st March 2009)

Drive with a peace mission

The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Mar 21: The Drive for Peace and Unity by Amit Lall, the mission of ‘One Man - Covering One Country - With One Message’ today called a press conference at the Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul.

Amit Lall said his drive for Manipur had certain missions and he would like to meet all the leading NGOs, Assam Rifles, BSF and other personalities. He said he understands that the north east especially Manipur is facing one of the worst situations, more than the rest of mainland India is facing. He said he had formed a group called the United Force of India, along with the youth who will work with him.

He gave his special thanks to the Taj Hotel and Hyundai company for sponsoring the drive all through the way from Bombay.

Eastern Mirror: Ngaland

Imti Longchar | EMN
DIMAPUR MAR 20: Amit Lall, a businessman from Mumbai who has traversed some few thousand kilometres from mainland India in his Hyundai propagating the message of peace and unity, says his mission has taken on a new concept after he set his wheels and foot across the borders of the North East.
On reaching Dimapur this evening, Lall will have now travelled around 9500 kilometres on his wheel journey already covering 15 states. ‘My mission has completely changed after I entered northeast,’ he said.
Lall revealed for the first time in his mission drive to reporters here that he is planning to merge the NGOs in the eight states of the North East after the completion of his journey and urge them to complement each other on the respective missing links in the state.
He also felt that the NE states have been neglected completely, with step motherly treatment being accorded to the by mainland India.
Expressing consternation on the projection of NE as a violence prone zone infested with terrorists when the mainland India is ‘ten times more violent and affected that the NE, he commented, ‘I have driven around here and feels NE is very peaceful, people more genuine which also makes me wonder why the media are not giving enough coverage or due importance to this region.’
He also plans to merge the whole of India under a ‘United Force of India’ which will create a platform for the youths and all concerned to start speaking out their rights.
Peace and unity remains his ever propelling inspiration that surged this solitary mission after the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai by terrorists into a mission of ‘covering one country- with one message’ which he says began on his ‘most perfect day’ -Republic day.
‘I want to tell the terrorists and anti social elements that if one man can do it alone, imagine if the whole country gets together under one Unite Force of India,’ he also advocated.
Amit Lall will move for Manipur and the Burma Borders tomorrow morning in his continuing mission for peace and unity with the vision, ‘What the mind can conceive, Man can achieve.’

Amit in Nagaland, Dimapur

Amit Lall with his car, on a mission for peace.


DIMAPUR, MARCH 20 (MExN): Mumbaikar Amit Lall, who is on a mission to spread the message of peace and unity, arrived Dimapur Friday afternoon from Shillong. Interacting with media persons, Amit, who lost many of his friends in the Mumbai terror attack, said his mission was to generate hope and positive energy and to create fresh hope in the minds of people across the country against terrorism and corruption.
Amit’s journey in his car began from the Gateway of India in Mumbai on January 26 and will pass through 26 states covering an approximate distance of 15,000 km and conclude in Mumbai. So far, he has visited 15 states including Nagaland covering a distance of 9,500km in 54 days.
Narrating his experience of the North East states he has visited so far, the peace activist felt that the region has been neglected and given step-motherly treatment. Even the national media has failed to highlight the plight of the people of the NE region, he said.
After completion of his journey, he desires to form a ‘united force’ comprising of NGOs, which would work for peace, harmony and unity of the people. Amit will leave for Manipur Saturday where he will also visit the Moreh border.

Amit in Agartala

Driving against terrorism

A Correspondent, Agartala, India

While the country is marred by terror attacks from Northeast to the heartland, Indian across the country are resilient to fight terror. Amit Lall, a Mumbai-based entrepreneur, is on a mission to spread the message of peace and unity. His was of doing it is also very different way.

The tall and handsome man is on a journey by car to various destinations across the nation, with social messages and quotes inscribed in the vehicle stressing the need for unity in diversity. He started his journey from Mumbai on 26 January and covered places like Maharastra, Andra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Orissa and West Bengal. For the past one week he is touring various stretches of Northeast. He was moved by the infamous 26/11 Mumbai terrors attacks and decided to air his voice by driving. He said that the horrors of Mumbai attacks had a deep impact on his conscience.

The Punjabi youth who has been brought up in Mumbai feel is this was the best way he could have offered his tributes to all those who laid down their life to save the country. He felt that his drive would not have attained meaning had he not travelled to the restive northeast. He felt that that mainland India has been partial towards the Northeast and lots need to be done to promote the region.

Lall feels that his message of peace and unity has struck a chord amongst those whom he has met so far. People like Lall have proved that come what may this nation is resilient to fight terror to its roots. March 10, 2009

Agartala - Photo of the day

Peace campaigner from western city of Mumbai Amit Lall checks his car during recess at Agartala, capital of Tripura state, in India’s militancy hit northeast, Tuesday, March 10, 2009. Lall motivated by the devastation due to terror strike at his city flagged off his mission on 26 January last to denounce terrorism and spread message of peace tends to cover 15,000kms as he would driving through 26 states. Photo: Bapi Roy Choudhury

courtesy:http://www.indigenousherald.com/

Information & Public Relations

http://www.dipr.mizoram.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5195&Itemid=1

GOVERNOR-IN REMNA PALAI AMIT LALL KAWM
Written by Mina Zoliani, IPRO
Monday, 16 March 2009
Remna leh inpumkhatna tlangaupuia mahni chauhva car hmanga India ram fan chhuah tum Mumbai tlangval Amit Lall chuan ni 14 March, 2009 (Inrinni) khan Aizawl a lo thleng a. Vawiin chawhnu khan Mizoram Governor Pu M M Lakhera nen Raj Bhawan-ah an inkawm a ni.

Mizoram Governor chuan Pu Amit Lall chu remna thu kenga India rampum a fanchhuah tum chu a ropui a tih thu a hrilh a. Ram leh hnama chian, mahni ram chhuan leh inpumkhatna rilru put te chu tunlai India ram mipui a bik takin thalaite zingah chawhnun a tul hle a ni, a ti.

November ni 26, 2008-a mi tam tak thihna thlentu terrorist hovin Mumbai-a hotel leh hmun dangte an beihna a taka hmutu Amit Lall chuan min beitu kan hmelmate bei let a, ram leh hnam humhim tura mipuite inpumkhatna chhem alh tur hian India ram fanchhuah a tum thu a sawi a. Aizawl a thlen ni chu Mumbai a chhuahsan ni 26 January, 2009 (Republic Day) atanga chhutin a ni 50-na chiah chiah a nih thu sawiin Amit Lall chuan Mizoram chu a peace mission golden jubillee hmanna hmun a ni, a ti. Mizoram mipui leh chanchinbumi ten an thlawpzia leh an duhsakna an hlannaah a lawm thu Governor chu a hrilh bawk a ni.

Written by The Zozam Times

Amit Lall-a’n 2nd Freedom Movement atan India ram fang
Written by The Zozam Times
Monday, 16 March 2009 10:55
Mumbai khawpuina sumdawng lian a ni a, firfiak pawlin nikum November 26-a Mumbai khawpui an beihna-ah khan a thian engemaw zat an boral a. A nu ngei pawh boral mai thei dinhmun-ah a ding a, mahse train delay palh a nih avangin kha buaina leh inbeihna kha a nang hman ta lo hlauh a ni. Kha thil thleng avang khan hnam inpumkhatna leh inunauna chungchang chu a rilru-ah a lian hle a, chuvang chuan ‘The Drive For Peace and Unity’ tih thupui hmangin India rampum fankuala a thuchah ken chu thehdarh a tum a ni. Amah chu Amit Lall niin kum 37 mi a ni.


Amit Lall hian Hyundai company siam lirthei a hmang a, a lirthei-ah chhia leh siam ngai a awm chuan Hyundai company-in engkim a thlawnin an siam sak dawn a. A petrol man erawh amahin a intum vek a, Mumbai-a a thiante’n pawisa thawhkhawmin an pui ve bawk.

Amit Lall hian ni 26 hi India tan chuan ni thalo tak niin a ngai a, a chhan chu Tsunami kha December 26-ah a thleng a, January 26-ah Kutch Earthquake a thleng a, June 26-ah Gujarat tuilian thlengin, July 26-ah Bombay bomb puak kha a thleng a. September 26-ah Ahmedabad bomb puak thlengin nikum Noverber 26 khan Bombay-a Taj, Oberoi, CST leh Nariman House te chu firfiak pawlin a bei bawk a ni. Hei vang hiang he a thuchah keng tura a zin chhuah hun atan pawh kumin January 26 kha a thlang a, Mumbai-a Gateway of India atangin a rawn chhuak a, Pune lamah kalin Central India rawn paltlangin, North East-ah chuan Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura te a rawn tlawh tawh a, Inrinni tlai khan Mizoram lo thlengin vawiin hian NGO lian deuh te a kawm ang a, naktuk-ah Manipur a pan leh dawn a ni. Manipur atang hian Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh-ah a la kal leh zel dawn a ni.

Amit Lall hian he a zinna hi 2nd Freedom Movement tiin a sawi a. Freedom movement hmasa chu British lak atanga zalenna sual kha niin tun tum freedom movement chu hlemhletna (corruption) atanga zalenna te, retheihna atanga zalenna te, insual leh intih buai atanga zalenna te a ni, tiin a sawi.

“November 26-a firfiak pawlin Bombay khawpui an beih avang khan Pakistan do te, Bangladesh do te hi kei chuan ka thupui a ni ve lova, keimahni ram chhunga harsatna leh buaina chinfel te, eirukna leh hlemhletna tam lutuk tih bo te, retheite chawikan leh retheihna umbo te hi kan tih tur hmasa a ni a. In unauna leh inlungrualna thar kan neihna atana hmanraw pawimawh tak nise ka duh” tiin a sawi a, “India ram hi kan chhuang a, engmah hlauh kan nei lova, inlungrual taka kan awm chuan kan ram hi kan venghim ang a, thil tha lo chu kan hneh zel ang” a ti bawk a ni.

Amit hian State 14 a tlawh tawh a, km 8500 vel zet a car hian a zin tawh a. A zin kawng hi ni 32 chhunga zawh hman a tum nain, a karah chawlh leh harsatna eng eng emaw a neih avangin ni 60 chhunga zawh hman a tum a ni. Hotel-ah a thleng duh meuh lova, sipai hmun-ah a thleng deuh zel a, Mizorama-ah pawh BRTF (Pushpak) Headquarters, |huampui-ah a thleng a ni.

Inrinni zan khan MJA member thenkhat te kaihhruainain Mizoram Legislative Assembly Speaker Pu R.Romawia hmuin, inkawmna hun tha tak an nei a, tlai lamah Aizawl khawpui hmun hrang hrang a fangkual bawk.

City of Aizawl

www.zonet.in

ENGLISH NEWS
March 16th, 2009 | by admin |

In a bid to mobilize public opinion against forces of terrorism and to spread a message of peace and unity, Mr. Amit Lall of Mumbai asked the people of Mizoram to fight against abhorrent act of terrorism. Talking to media persons in Information and Public Relation department office today, Mr. Lall cited instances of terrorist attack on India including the daring attack in Mumbai on 26th November last year and underlined the need to eradicate terrorist and their infrastructure from the globe. Mr. Amit Lall is campaigning against terrorism on his own expense since 26th January to cover 26 States of the country.

Amit in Mizoram

India ram fangtu Aizawl-ah
Posted on 16 March 2009

Aizawl:Amit Lall (37), Mumbai lam mi, sumdawng hausa chuan India ram chhungah remna, muanna leh inpumkhatna te, retheihna te abo theih nan ‘The Drive for Peace & Unity’ tih thupui kengin India ram a fangkual mek a, Inrinni khan Mizoram rawn lutin Aizawl hmun thenkhat a fankual bakah Assembly Speaker R. Romawia a kawm hnuah naktuk hian Manipur a pan ang.

Amit Lall hian state 14 a tlawh tawh niin a sawi. (Courtesy Evening Post)

Quotes from Silobreaker

"With this they should fathom the combined strength of the entire nation"
'Mumbai man' on peace drive - Mid Day [03/06/2009]
...youth said, "this mission is a message which will also convey our strong feelings to the enemies, that if they can't scare one ordinary Indian like me, with their cowardly act, how do they expect to scare the entire country."
'Mumbai man' on peace drive - Mid Day [03/06/2009]

The Sikkim Times (the highlighted text is a gross error)

http://www.theshillongtimes.com/shillong.html

One man’s mission for peace
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Amit Lall lost his mother in the gruesome Mumbai train blast on July 26 last year, an incident that changed the lives of hundreds, including that of this man. And on July 26 2008 itself, began his mission- a mission for peace and unity.
Lall arrived in Meghalaya as part of his all India tour to spread the message of brotherhood and unity amongst Indians against terrorism.
Mr Lall had set out on his mission on January 26 from Mumbai to travel throughout the border of India spreading the message of brotherhood and unity under the theme-‘Drive for Peace and Unity.’
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Mr Lall said that the whole of India should be treated as equal, irrespective of any caste, creed or religion. "We should not fear anything if we stand united. We should protect our country from negative elements", Lall said adding that" I don't believe in religion, caste or creed but in humanity. He expressed surprise to find the North Eastern region underestimated by the rest of India. ''The image people have about the region is totally wrong and misleading,'' he said.
On Thursday, Mr Lall will visit the Meghalaya border and from Meghalaya, procede towards other North Eastern States including Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and other states before returning to his home state-Maharashtra. During his tour, he will meet and interact with armed personnel who are guarding borders and the people residing there.

http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/mar/050309-Mumbai-man-on-peace-drive.htm

'Mumbai man' on peace drive
By: PTI
Date: 2009-03-05

Shillong:
One man, covering one country with one message for peace and unity. For Mumbai citizen Amit Lall, criss-crossing the country with this motto is not a trip moved by wanderlust.
Lall, who has already traversed 8,000 km, decided on the venture after the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai that had initially numbed him into disbelief about how a human being can take another's life in the name of religion.
Reaching the picturesque hilly town on Wednesday, the strapping youth said, "this mission is a message which will also convey our strong feelings to the enemies, that if they can't scare one ordinary Indian like me, with their cowardly act, how do they expect to scare the entire country."
"With this they should fathom the combined strength of the entire nation," Lall, who lost his mother in the gruesome Mumbai train blast last year, an incident which changed his view of life, said.
The young professional, who had set off on January 26 last, plans to visit the Meghalaya border and from Meghalaya towards other North Eastern States including Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and other states before returning to his home state-Maharashtra.
He plans to interact with armed personnel who are guarding borders and the people residing there.

Update 10th - 18th Feb (Calcutta to North Eastern States)
Calcutta was great. It was very touching when I had to go to a dentist there for a tooth problem I was facing for the past few days.FM 94.3 Radio One in Calcutta was doing a live chat with me. The dentist was so touched by it that he refused to charge me for it. He said it was the least he could do for someone who is doing this for the Country. I felt Calcutta would be really laid back, but I was happily surprised to see the Bengalis actually took interest in the Drive and showed their support. Calcutta gave me a great response & the media gave me excellent coverage in 6 newspapers, 5 TV channels & radio. I moved on to Malda which is 400kms from Calcutta & 350 kms from Siliguri. There I went to a Hotel where the owner saw my car and was curious. When he read about me from the Calcutta papers, he wanted to show his appreciation and make his contribution to my drive which he did by sponsoring my stay at his hotel. I then met the BSF (Border Security Force) - DIG at Malda HQ's. They welcomed me very well and they invited me to stay at their HQ's in the Eastern States, J&K, Punjab Border, Rajasthan Border & Gujarat Border. I drove on to Siliguri and reached last night. I will be moving towards Gangtok (Sikkim) & the Nepal, Bhutan, China & Tibet borders. From there I will move toward Guwahati (Assam) & then Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh), then toward Shillong (Meghalaya), then to Kohima (Nagaland), Imphal (Manipur) and the Burma Border. I will take a call on Tripura & Mizoram once I get to Nagaland as the area is pretty disturbed & the BSF don't recommend it alone without a convoy. The North Eastern States should take me approximately 8-10 days as I cannot cover more than 200 - 250 kms per day, as its all mountains.
Do keep forwarding the status of my drive to all your friends and colleagues as every Indian citizen can make a difference and my MISSION is to get each and every Indian active and involved in our Country.

Update 9th Feb - 14th Feb
Hi Guys, HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO ALL I reached Calcutta last night. After Hyderabad I was in Vijaywada and then in Vizak. Had a press meet in Hyderabad & met the people at Charminar. UTV covered this for their show on The Auto Car show on UTVi at 10.30pm every Tuesday & repeats at 10.30am on saturday & 12.30 noon on sunday.Renuka Kriplani does the show and has given me tremendous support right from the start of my drive. She has this show every tuesday & gives feedback of my entire week of the place I visit. Try and catch the show.The public were really inspired and truly believe in tolerance of one another's religion. There is a mini Pakistan there & Hindus & muslims live in harmony. They too want unity & peace & are tired with the system & the death & destruction its causing the common man. There is a lovely history in Hyderabad with the Golcondo fort & the ways of warfare in the earlier days.Round Table India welcomed me and flagged me off. The Taj GM - Mr Veer Vijay Singh was extremely hospitable and made sure I carried the Hyderabadi biryani with me when I left.(9th- 10th Feb) Vijaywada is a small town but lovely people. Round table India welcomed me in & flagged me off. (11th feb) Vizag was an amazing entry. The Round Table guys waited for mr at the border to welcome me, I missed them as I could not see the banner, so I zipped past them & they had to chase me into Vizag to catch my car. It was a very warm welcome & they had organised things beautifully. The press meet was excellent & The 9th std. girl students of The Predential School had come to meet me when I was leaving and they presented a bouquet of flowers to show support & were really happy. I was touched as it was a sweet gesture for the teacher to come with them and take time off from their school time to meet me & bid me farewell. The Commonding officer of INS Chilka - Commodore MVS Kumar was in Vizag & came to meet me in my room. He arranged my visit at INS Chilka, 100kms short of Bhubaneshwar. I then met the Commanding officer of Vizag (Eastern Naval Command) Commodor Thakur, who honoured me with the Cap of the Eastern Naval Command & presented me with the book(the history of the forces at Vishakapatnam) of The Eastern Naval Command. I present both the Commanding officers with the Indian Flag & left for Bhubaneshwar after the Vizag tablers flagged me off at the border.(12th feb) I visited INS Chilka 9 (the training centre where boys become men!). They gave me a grand weklcome with the Naval police in front & behind my car escorting me in. I met all the men & women officers & spend 2 hours with them. They were happy that a regula citizen had taken up a cause for the country. They honoured me with the INS Chilka cap (I have 3 Naval caps now) & a small trophy presented by Commanding officers, Officers & Ships company. It was a real honour. They also presented me with a CD of the INS Chilka band. (12th Feb) I reached Bhubaneshwar late. Met the Round Table guys in the morning at the press meet. Had a good radio show live for 5-6 minutes (i'll upload the clip on the blog). Because of this show, i got a call form the vigilance people in Cuttack (20kms from Bhubaneshwar) where they called more media guys as I interacted with the public, who were really charged up & showed full support for Bombay & its people. They are fighting corruption and joined forces with me. So after Country First (Maharashtra), I got Round table India - Chennai (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerela, Orissa, West Bengal) onwards, ACT - Mysore (Alert Citizens Team) (Karnataka)& Vigilance of Orissa. (23th Feb)
My Calcutta press meet is on Monday 16th feb. I am meeting the armed forces here at Fort William & some students & the common man. I will be off to Shiliguri on Tuesday morning 17th Feb.

Complete Update of 14 days (Goa+Kovalam+ kanyakumari+ Madurai+ Chennai+Banagalore+Hyderabad+ mysore+Vizag)

Hi Guys, I reached Hyderabad today from Bangalore. I will be here for a couple of days and then off to Vijaywada for a day & then Vizak. I have completed approximately 3,500 kms so far in 14 days and have trailed from Bombay - Goa - Mangalore - Karwar - Cochin - Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Madurai - Chennai - Bangalore - Mysore - Bangalore - Hyderabad. I have attached the 2 latest write ups I got - 5th Feb - India Express Chennai & 7th Feb - Indian Express - Bangalore. The other coverage was - The Hindu, Deccan Chronicle, News Today in Chennai & some Tamil papers + some more Bangalore papers & Times Of Indi - Mysore. I got a call from a group in Mysore - ACT Mysore (Alert Citizens Team) - They are supporting the same cause and want to join my movement. I am glad people are coming forward. There has been a lot of chaos due the the happeningsin Mangalore - I was there for the Pub fiasco, where they hit the girls, and recently they picked up the daughter of the Kerela MLA & a muslim boy (her friends brother), who she was talking to and beat them up. Taliban is here!!! they are protesting Valentines Day also & stopping girls from wearing noodle straps & jeans and skimpy clothes.We are losing our democracy.......