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
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My Message to every Indian...
Read this carefully. your Freedom depends on it!
Unity is Strength. Divide & Rule policy earlier lost us and cost us our Freedom. Today history is repeating itself. The people running our Country today are separating each state. They are trying to gain power and control of each individual state, thereby setting it apart from the others. Don't they know that merging more states makes India powerful, dividing each state and having internal conflicts makes India weaker? For e.g. the people today say "Jai Maharashtra", "Jai Karnataka", "Jai Haryana". WHY?
This is ONE COUNTRY - ONE NATION. our INDIA. all we have to say is. JAI HIND ! If we don't start participating in the events of our Country today, it will be too late and we would be slaves once again fighting for our Freedom! We as Indian Citizens have rights. We are a Democracy. We have freedom of speech, but people here are afraid to speak up. We are independant and have a right to live life on our terms.
Here women are being beaten in our Country and forced to wear clothes as per the likes and dislikes of our so called "leaders". Women don't have a right to wear what they want? Women don't have a right to drink alcohol after the age of 18 which is legal in our Country? Women are not allowed to talk to men and date men? Are these signs of a free Democratic India?
"Bapu" - Mahatma Gandhi is The Father of Our Nation. He preached Ahimsa (Non-Violence), all there is in our Country is violence & terror! If we follow Violence, why is Bapu the father of the Nation? If we follow Bapu, why are the Indians leading our Country resorting to Violence?India is a Secular Country. We are known to be tolerant of all religions. Why do we have these comunal riots? Why are the Hindu & Muslim constantly fighting and killing each other when they all are from the same motherland - INDIA, they have the same red blood, they eat the same food, they drink the same water, they breathe the same air, where is the secularism and tolerance?
Is this the INDIA we have become? Our people fought for our Freedom and gave their lives for us to enjoy this Independance. They shed their blood and sweat to give us a better future. Is this the future they had in mind for us? Today India is not a Democracy, Its a Dictatorship, dictated by Goondas (Goons & Criminals) who resort to violence to show their power. They are making the common man fearful and cowardly and supressing them & the common man is allowing this and is being supressed. Hitler ruled and now Taliban is coming! Is this what you want for INDIA? Do you want to bring children into this world who live under fear & terror? I think not.
So either Start Speaking up and fight for the bright future of the youth of tomorrow...or stop giving birth to more children bringing them here to live in fear and die.
We can loose our lives. But we cannot loose our freedom!
-Jai Hind
My Mission
The Drive for Peace and Unity
One Man – Covering One Country – With One Message
The Objective:
To prove that we Indians are a resilient lot who refuse to be shaken by a bunch of fanatics who choose the most cowardly method of trying to make a point, to slaughter innocents! To also spread the message that this drive around the sea and land boundaries of our country is the symbolism for the legendary “Lakshman Rekha” which would and should remain impenetrable by sheer unity. This unison aims at galvanizing the people against external threat and frustrating the enemy.
The Sentiment:
I, Amit Lall, am proud to be an Indian and will be attempting “The Drive For Peace and Unity”. Bombay was attacked by terrorists from the sea on 26th November 2008. I live at Churchgate and was lying unwell and helpless in my house when disaster struck our beloved city. I was angered and frustrated that I was physically unable to rush to help the victims of this carnage. In order to awaken the dormant unity amongst the people inhabiting within our “Lakshman Rekha” and to instill security consciousness, resulting in constant vigil against the enemy, I would like to drive along our sea coast starting from Bombay in the West, heading southward to Kanyakumari, then eastward to West Bengal and Nagaland, and then up north to Kargil, along the India – Pakistan border, and then return to Bombay via Delhi, halting at India Gate to salute the martyrs of our country. This mission will also convey a strong sentiment to our enemies, especially in the west and the east, that if they can’t scare one Indian such as 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!
We are proud to be Indians, and we don’t fear anything if we stand united and stand by and protect our Country from any negative elements.
The Contribution:
I believe in the power of the mind and positive thinking. “What the mind can conceive, Man can achieve.” This would be my humble contribution to our people and I request for your support to accomplish this cause that I strongly believe in and stand for. Whichever State of the Union that I pass through, I would also meet the police of that State and the Armed Forces based there, and express my gratitude for what they are doing for our country and for the safety of every Indian. I will appreciate a cavalcade of drivers and bikers, to follow me to show support for the cause, even if they can do so only for a short distance. I will also like to share the trauma that we Bombayites suffered, with people I meet and interact with on my journey through all the Indian States.
The Logistics:
This Mission will be adequately covered by the Media and splashed on Television, Radio and the Newspapers for the benefit of the inland inhabitants. One Man – Covering One Country – With One Message.
The number “26” has proved disastrous for India and is now associated with tragedy and bad luck as the following events on this date are embedded in people’s psyche:
The Tsunami – 26th December
The Kutch Earthquake – 26th January
The Gujarat Floods – 26th June
The Bombay Train Blasts – 26th July
The Ahmedabad Blasts – 26th September
The Latest Terrorists’ Attacks in Bombay (Taj, Oberoi, CST & Nariman House) – 26th November
I Flagged off and launched this mission from the Gateway of India, on 26th January, 2009, our Republic Day. This mission and pilgrimage strives at removing the evil effects of the number 26 associated with disaster and death. After lighting a flame at Gateway of India and the CST, I will also light a flame at every place I stop and request the brave men of the State Police and Armed Forces to join me in doing so. When I reach New Delhi, I will light a candle at India Gate as a tribute to all the courageous Indians who have sacrificed their lives for our country. I will then continue on my Drive for Peace and finally return home by once again touching the Gateway of India on 26th February, 2009, thereby completing my Mission.
I will attempt to complete my journey in 100 days. The periphery of India is approximately 15,000 kms. I will drive approximately 10 – 12 hours a day and cover 500 - 600 kms. a day. I will be driving through 26 states. The only states I will not be entering would be Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh as they are in the interiors of India.
SPONSORS
I will be staying at TAJ Hotels across the country as Mr.Ratan Tata - Chairman Indian Hotels has been kind enough to make the TAJ group of Hotels my Hospitality partner across India for my drive.
I am driving my own Hyundai Accent which I have had for the past 8 years and it has proven its endurance and power, a car which can actually complete the entire drive of India without any hindrance. I shall use only one car and not change cars for the entire drive. I have the Hyundai Motor India Limited team to check and do the necessary touch ups to the car as and when required at any state across the Country.
COME JOIN THE 2nd FREEDOM MOVEMENT...
Jai Hind!
Unity is Strength. Divide & Rule policy earlier lost us and cost us our Freedom. Today history is repeating itself. The people running our Country today are separating each state. They are trying to gain power and control of each individual state, thereby setting it apart from the others. Don't they know that merging more states makes India powerful, dividing each state and having internal conflicts makes India weaker? For e.g. the people today say "Jai Maharashtra", "Jai Karnataka", "Jai Haryana". WHY?
This is ONE COUNTRY - ONE NATION. our INDIA. all we have to say is. JAI HIND ! If we don't start participating in the events of our Country today, it will be too late and we would be slaves once again fighting for our Freedom! We as Indian Citizens have rights. We are a Democracy. We have freedom of speech, but people here are afraid to speak up. We are independant and have a right to live life on our terms.
Here women are being beaten in our Country and forced to wear clothes as per the likes and dislikes of our so called "leaders". Women don't have a right to wear what they want? Women don't have a right to drink alcohol after the age of 18 which is legal in our Country? Women are not allowed to talk to men and date men? Are these signs of a free Democratic India?
"Bapu" - Mahatma Gandhi is The Father of Our Nation. He preached Ahimsa (Non-Violence), all there is in our Country is violence & terror! If we follow Violence, why is Bapu the father of the Nation? If we follow Bapu, why are the Indians leading our Country resorting to Violence?India is a Secular Country. We are known to be tolerant of all religions. Why do we have these comunal riots? Why are the Hindu & Muslim constantly fighting and killing each other when they all are from the same motherland - INDIA, they have the same red blood, they eat the same food, they drink the same water, they breathe the same air, where is the secularism and tolerance?
Is this the INDIA we have become? Our people fought for our Freedom and gave their lives for us to enjoy this Independance. They shed their blood and sweat to give us a better future. Is this the future they had in mind for us? Today India is not a Democracy, Its a Dictatorship, dictated by Goondas (Goons & Criminals) who resort to violence to show their power. They are making the common man fearful and cowardly and supressing them & the common man is allowing this and is being supressed. Hitler ruled and now Taliban is coming! Is this what you want for INDIA? Do you want to bring children into this world who live under fear & terror? I think not.
So either Start Speaking up and fight for the bright future of the youth of tomorrow...or stop giving birth to more children bringing them here to live in fear and die.
We can loose our lives. But we cannot loose our freedom!
-Jai Hind
My Mission
The Drive for Peace and Unity
One Man – Covering One Country – With One Message
The Objective:
To prove that we Indians are a resilient lot who refuse to be shaken by a bunch of fanatics who choose the most cowardly method of trying to make a point, to slaughter innocents! To also spread the message that this drive around the sea and land boundaries of our country is the symbolism for the legendary “Lakshman Rekha” which would and should remain impenetrable by sheer unity. This unison aims at galvanizing the people against external threat and frustrating the enemy.
The Sentiment:
I, Amit Lall, am proud to be an Indian and will be attempting “The Drive For Peace and Unity”. Bombay was attacked by terrorists from the sea on 26th November 2008. I live at Churchgate and was lying unwell and helpless in my house when disaster struck our beloved city. I was angered and frustrated that I was physically unable to rush to help the victims of this carnage. In order to awaken the dormant unity amongst the people inhabiting within our “Lakshman Rekha” and to instill security consciousness, resulting in constant vigil against the enemy, I would like to drive along our sea coast starting from Bombay in the West, heading southward to Kanyakumari, then eastward to West Bengal and Nagaland, and then up north to Kargil, along the India – Pakistan border, and then return to Bombay via Delhi, halting at India Gate to salute the martyrs of our country. This mission will also convey a strong sentiment to our enemies, especially in the west and the east, that if they can’t scare one Indian such as 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!
We are proud to be Indians, and we don’t fear anything if we stand united and stand by and protect our Country from any negative elements.
The Contribution:
I believe in the power of the mind and positive thinking. “What the mind can conceive, Man can achieve.” This would be my humble contribution to our people and I request for your support to accomplish this cause that I strongly believe in and stand for. Whichever State of the Union that I pass through, I would also meet the police of that State and the Armed Forces based there, and express my gratitude for what they are doing for our country and for the safety of every Indian. I will appreciate a cavalcade of drivers and bikers, to follow me to show support for the cause, even if they can do so only for a short distance. I will also like to share the trauma that we Bombayites suffered, with people I meet and interact with on my journey through all the Indian States.
The Logistics:
This Mission will be adequately covered by the Media and splashed on Television, Radio and the Newspapers for the benefit of the inland inhabitants. One Man – Covering One Country – With One Message.
The number “26” has proved disastrous for India and is now associated with tragedy and bad luck as the following events on this date are embedded in people’s psyche:
The Tsunami – 26th December
The Kutch Earthquake – 26th January
The Gujarat Floods – 26th June
The Bombay Train Blasts – 26th July
The Ahmedabad Blasts – 26th September
The Latest Terrorists’ Attacks in Bombay (Taj, Oberoi, CST & Nariman House) – 26th November
I Flagged off and launched this mission from the Gateway of India, on 26th January, 2009, our Republic Day. This mission and pilgrimage strives at removing the evil effects of the number 26 associated with disaster and death. After lighting a flame at Gateway of India and the CST, I will also light a flame at every place I stop and request the brave men of the State Police and Armed Forces to join me in doing so. When I reach New Delhi, I will light a candle at India Gate as a tribute to all the courageous Indians who have sacrificed their lives for our country. I will then continue on my Drive for Peace and finally return home by once again touching the Gateway of India on 26th February, 2009, thereby completing my Mission.
I will attempt to complete my journey in 100 days. The periphery of India is approximately 15,000 kms. I will drive approximately 10 – 12 hours a day and cover 500 - 600 kms. a day. I will be driving through 26 states. The only states I will not be entering would be Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh as they are in the interiors of India.
SPONSORS
I will be staying at TAJ Hotels across the country as Mr.Ratan Tata - Chairman Indian Hotels has been kind enough to make the TAJ group of Hotels my Hospitality partner across India for my drive.
I am driving my own Hyundai Accent which I have had for the past 8 years and it has proven its endurance and power, a car which can actually complete the entire drive of India without any hindrance. I shall use only one car and not change cars for the entire drive. I have the Hyundai Motor India Limited team to check and do the necessary touch ups to the car as and when required at any state across the Country.
COME JOIN THE 2nd FREEDOM MOVEMENT...
Jai Hind!
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