Yaka Awomi was wanted in the case registered at West Dimapur police station on 'cocaine' arrested in Pune

The Maharashtra police team arrested Yaka Awami, a Naga, from his residential society in Pune on Sunday.

He was reportedly preparing to flee.

The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of Maharashtra arrested a 30-year-old man hailing from Nagaland living in Pune in connection to an ongoing probe of Nagaland police following a seizure of cocaine. 

Maharashtra Police said that the name of the arrested man who worked for a private company in Pune had emerged in the backward linkages of the cocaine bust.

Following intelligence inputs, a team from the ANTF was tasked for the search of Yaka Awomi, who was known to be located in Pune.

The ANTF team found out that the suspect had been living in a  residential society in Handewadi. 

Awomi was wanted in the case registered at West Dimapur police station in Nagaland. 

“The suspect had been living in the Handewadi area with his family for the last three years and he has been working for a private company in the food industry. Earlier this year, Nagaland police registered a case following seizure of cocaine. The role of this suspect had emerged in the backward linkages of the seized contraband. Probe suggests that he had procured the cocaine from a Nigerian national in Delhi. 

This suspect had been involved in distribution of cocaine, probe suggests,” said an officer. 

ANTF officials said that the top brass of Maharashtra were closely monitoring the case considering its inter-state nature and possible international linkages.

Officials said the accused would be transferred to Nagaland police for further investigation.

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Bangladesh ‘welcomes’ Sheikh Hasina’s announcement to return home, says she must face justice ::: "People of the country want her death penalty to be upheld"

Bangladesh ‘welcomes’ Sheikh Hasina’s announcement to return home, says she must face justice

Zahed Ur Rahman says the 'people of the country want her death penalty to be upheld for the crimes she committed, and in that case her capital punishment will be executed'

Those were the days : Sheikh Hasia and Khaleeda Zia 

“We welcome her announcement as we want to ensure justice,” prime minister’s adviser for information and strategy Zahed Ur Rahman said at a media briefing on Tuesday.  

Rahman said the “people of the country want her death penalty to be upheld for the crimes she committed, and in that case her capital punishment will be executed as the people want to see that”.

"Let her bring the best lawyers in the world," Zahed was quoted as saying by the Daily Star. 

He said that the proceedings at the International Crimes Tribunal (Bangladesh) (ICT-BD) would remain transparent and could be monitored by observers and broadcast through video coverage.

Rahman said it is also possible the court can revise the verdict against Hasina or acquit her. 

“That too could happen,” he said, adding that the government was not under any pressure over her planned return.

There are previous instances where the rulings of the ICT-BD, formed during Awami League regime in 2010, have been stayed or overturned. Rahman said “procedural issues will not debar her return” and Delhi can make arrangements after consulting Dhaka on the matter.

In November last, Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in Dhaka for alleged "crimes against humanity" over her government's brutal crackdown on student-led protests in 2024.  

Can India play a part ?? 

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam said ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina should return to Bangladesh so that her death sentence can be carried out.

“Today, we saw an interview in which someone said there is a plan to return to the country in December. The country has already suffered 16 years of destruction. We, too, want her to return, but for the execution of the death sentence,” he said.  

Since the verdict, Dhaka has been urging New Delhi to extradite her to face the law.

Sheik Hasina on her part has dismissed the death penalty, criminal convictions and charges against her as "politically motivated".

Nether Left ..Nor Muslim-appeasing 'aapa' ::: With BJP 'double engine' at place .. Taslima Nasrin to return to Kolkata after 19 years

 Exiled author Taslima Nasrin to return to Kolkata after 19 years for a lit-meet against fundamentalism

The controversial author of popular novel 'Lajja' based on anti-Hindu mayhem in Bangladesh post-Babri demolition was quietly moved out of Kolkata in November 2007 after riots broke out in the city during protests by Islamic groups against her.  

Taslima Nasrin announced that she will participate in a special programme at Rabindra Sadan on August 1, 2026 in Kolkata at a show organised by Secular Mission and Human Rights and Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Foundation (HRBFF).  

Bangladeshi writer's turbulent relationship with Kolkata became one of the defining chapters of her decades-long exile.  

The organisers have called her a “fiery symbol of resistance against religious fundamentalism”.

“It is confirmed that Taslima Nasrin is coming to Kolkata for the August 1 event. 

We have received assurances from Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari regarding her security. The CM, and finance minister Swapan Dasgupta will be present on stage that day,” said Osman Mallick, one of the organisers.  

Notably, another author Salman Rushdie’s return to New Delhi (India) actually occurred in April 2000 during the Vajpayee era -- , breaking a decade-long exile that followed the ban on The Satanic Verses.   

The highlight of Rushdie's trip was attending the Commonwealth Writers' Prize ceremony in New Delhi. In fact, Salman Rushdie was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers' Prize (won by J.M. Coetzee that year). 

The grand ceremony in the national capital was presided over by the then External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh, who presented the awards.  

Ms Taslima is also expected to address a press conference in the city a day after the literary meet.

This event marks a symbolic return for an author who was forced to leave Kolkata in 2007 amid violent protests and political controversy.

Her visit is expected to reopen memories of one of the most contentious episodes in West Bengal’s recent cultural history, when the city that she had come to regard as home became the epicentre of protests demanding her expulsion.

Nasrin has lived in exile since 1994 after facing a wave of threats in Bangladesh over her writings on women's rights and religion. She spent the next decade living in Europe and North America after being granted Swedish citizenship.

Although she found refuge abroad, she repeatedly spoke of her emotional attachment to Bengal and expressed a desire to live in Kolkata, a city she believed shared her language, culture and literary heritage.

That opportunity came in 2004 when India granted her a renewable residence permit. She settled in Kolkata, a city she called home. Rooted in the literary traditions shared across both Bengals, Nasrin resumed writing and became a visible presence in the city's cultural circles. But her stay in West Bengal proved controversial. 

Her book 'Dwikhandito' was banned by then Marxist chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee in 2003. The ban was overturned by the Calcutta High Court two years later.

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Now, NSCN-IM feels the 'heat of irony' :::: Talks about "fragile peace" -- something the Status Quo club took for granted as they connived with Political Protagonists :: IED blast near Dimapur leads to "pursuit of truth" ....

"Pursuit of truth" ... - as they put it is often linked to violence especially in the context of north east and in particular the unrest in Naga hills both within the state of Nagaland and outside. 

"The NSCN - IM has unequivocally condemned the cowardly terrorist act of planting and detonating an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that claimed the life of one Indian soldier and left four others injured on the 13 July 2026 near Khopanala, Shukhovi." 

The statement says - "This reprehensible act is an attack not only on the immediate victims but also on the fragile peace and stability of the region. 

"At a time when the people aspire to live in security and normalcy, those responsible have chosen the path of terror and provocation. Such actions are designed to sow mistrust, fuel instability, and derail efforts towards peace."

(Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, Director General Assam Rifles & All Ranks of Assam Rifles pay solemn tribute to Hav Mohd Iqbal who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in Nagaland today and offer deep condolences to the family of our Brave Soldier.) 

(Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command, visited HQ IGAR (North), Kohima on 12 July 2026. During the visit, he paid homage at the Kohima War Cemetery, and interacted with officers and troops, appreciating their professionalism and dedication.) 

The NSCN-IM said: "Such indiscriminate acts of violence serve no legitimate purpose other than to spread fear, create chaos, and undermine the peaceful atmosphere that the people have long desired and worked to preserve".

It also pointed out that the use of activated explosive devices and anti-personnel mines is contrary to "humanitarian principles and places innocent lives at unacceptable risk". 

The statement came amid intense speculation on whether Eastern Flank or other elements in the ultra factions were responsible for the IED blast.

Long back in 1996, a strong IED explosion on the Christmas Day had resulted in the killing of a wife and family members of a senior Naga minister in the S C Jamir cabinet.   

The Jamir Govt had blamed one particular faction of NSCN for the tragedy. 

The Minister, Kihoto Hollohon, survived because he was not in the targeted Maruti Suzuki Gypsy, but the blast tragically killed his wife Vitoli, daughter Nishela, granddaughter Hollotoli, grandson Ninoto (2 years old), and one other passenger instantly.

IED snap: from Wikipendia 

The NSCN-IM statement "reiterated" that it remains under the Indo-Naga Ceasefire Agreement and shall continue to honour both the letter and spirit of the Ceasefire Ground Rules and it remains committed to maintaining peace and "exercising restraint".

"The NSCN/GPRN will make every effort, through all available and appropriate means, to ascertain the truth behind this incident and identify those responsible. Those who seek to exploit violence to destabilise society must be exposed and held accountable," it asserted. 

Nagaland : symbolises Peace amid chaos 

However, New Delhi mandarins are keeping a close vigil. The security analysts are trying to draw out whether there was 'any link' between the ambush on Assam Rifles in Manipur on July 6 and the latest one at Chumoukedima.   

"The bomb blast at Chümoukedima is a cowardly act that has no place in our society. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected. 

Those responsible will be identified and brought to justice," Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio tweeted.  

"Suspicion may only grow over the possible handiwork of EF or their 'elements'.

from the incident scene

One refrain also is --- any explosion at this juncture would "only leave a mark and also possibly make sure everyone is guessing". 

Possibilities of proxies of  a potent group behind the July 13 blast cannot be ruled out.  "When our interlocutors spoke about fragile peace, they said flag ....," says a source. 

New Delhi analysts feel there is lot of "heat or paradox and irony' in NSCN-IM statement.

"Talking about fragile peace, we would like to reflect upon on factors responsible for delaying the final peace pact", said one source declining to elaborate further. It is obvious a section of intellectuals and others sympathising with the Status Quo club took things for granted as they connived with "political protagonists".

Nevertheless, the NSCN-IM has called upon all concerned to remain calm, refrain from speculation, and cooperate in ensuring that the facts are established. 

"The pursuit of truth and justice is essential to preventing those responsible from achieving their objective of disrupting peace," it said.

ends 

“Bhadrolok” would not be harassed :::::: “For 15 years, there was a Govt of goons (Mamata regime), and before that, there was a Govt of harmads (ref to Left),” West Bengal CM Suvendu

Two “anti-goonda” bills — 

the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, and the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026 are passed by the state legislature.  

“Bhadrolok” would not be harassed under the Act, says the chief minister (in reference to 'gentlemen' as against wrongdoers) 

“For 15 years, there was a government of goons, and before that, there was a government of harmads (ref to Left),” West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari told reporters at the Assembly premises.  

“The new law was very much needed to rein in the communist harmads of 34 years and the Trinamool goons of the last 15 years.”

The manner of Suvendu’s justification of the “Goonda Act” — actually a matrix of two new, complementary laws — prompted Opposition parties and political experts to wonder whether the legislation would be used more to curb dissent than to check crime.  The Assembly had on June 29 passed the two “anti-goonda” bills — the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, and the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The first law identifies “goondas”, who can be detained for up to 12 months. Those considered greater threats cannot engage lawyers of their own choice and can only seek assistance through the government’s legal aid services.

The second law makes goondas liable to pay compensation for damage to public or private property. A Claims Commission will determine the compensation.

Both laws came into force on Monday.

“There is no scarcity of laws in our country to control goons. This new Act was actually brought in to threaten and restrain the voices of dissent,” CPM central committee member Sujan Chakraborty said.

“The BJP government has introduced this law to suppress democratic protests instead of controlling goondas.”

He added: “By referring to the ‘harmads of the 34 years of Left rule’, the chief minister has clearly indicated how the Act will be used politically against our party workers and leaders. However, we are not afraid and will fight on.”

Trinamool argued the old laws were good enough to tackle hoodlums, and that the twin Acts had been brought in to target the Opposition.

“The new law will allow the police to detain a person for a long period without judicial intervention. The person cannot even appoint his or her own lawyer and may not be produced before the court,” Trinamool state general secretary Kunal Ghosh said.

“There is a law to issue an arrest memo and produce the accused before the court within 24 hours. However, this new law will bypass the courts.”

He added: “Some clauses and sub-clauses of the Act are more useful for oppressing the Opposition for political reasons than for reining in goons.”

There are apprehensions about the new laws being used against the Opposition, referring to previous draconian laws such as the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (Tada) and the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (Misa).

Starting from Misa (1971-77) and Tada (1985-1995), whenever such draconian laws are passed, they are invariably used against the Opposition rather than against criminals, it is said.

Speaking in the Assembly on June 29, CM Suvendu, said:

 "...the stringent laws were necessary. The existing Acts don’t make criminals liable for damage to public or private property or force them to pay compensation".

ends 

"Fixed match" charge against Congress party for 'nexus' with Pakistan's ISI on narratives around Samjhauta Express blast is sickening

Former Babu in the Union Home Ministry RVS Mani claims there was a "fixed match" between the Congress party and Pakistan's ISI regarding the narrative around the Samjhauta Express blast. 

He further alleged that if Ajmal Kasab had not been captured alive during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, those attacks too could have been wrongly projected as a "Hindu terror" incident.  

In his podcast interview with ANI, Mani claims he was tortured by CBI during UPA era and also that he always believed from the beginning that the Malegaon blast case was false. 

He alleged that there was a pre-planned approach behind the investigation and referred to the arrests of Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit and Major Ramesh Upadhyay.  

"The Samjhauta blast case could have been avoided," he said. Answering a question, Mani said - "I have written a book called 'Deception' .. it is a novel, a fiction. If you read the novel you will make out how Mecca Masjid, Samjhauta blast and ... all these blasts could have been avoided. 

"For Samjhauta blast case, we had a man living in Noor Nagar ... somewhere in Jamia area (in Delhi). But still it happened. All the perpetuators got released in 14 days. Input was that the ISI had given contract to an organised crime syndicate in Karachi headed by Arif Qasmani and after this happened, the Govt of India (UPA) claimed it as a Hindu terror".   

"Arif Qasmani did not get payment from ISI because ISI was saying ... see Govt of India says it is Hindu teror; so why should we pay". 

Mani further says - Qasmani even went to the US media and claimed that he has done the blast; but Govt of India under Manmohan Singh kept saying - "No, our people have done it".  

He also claims someone sitting in Pakistan did not want the rise of Col Purohit. 

"You are perfectly right," he told the questioner adding, at the young age of 34, Purohit became a selection grade Lt Col. He would have gone to become at least a Corps Commander if not the chief of army. He was very bright ... competent officer. People in Pakistan did not want him to come to that level." 

The former Under Secretary in the Home Ministry claimed that most Pakistani (unofficial delegation like Aman Ki Asha and all )  bring drugs to India.  

He even made a sensational observation that the English coach (of Pakistan) Bob Woolmer, "who resisted drug trafficking was later killed under a suspicious cirumstances...All the dots have to be joined". 

Woolmer 

Bob Woolmer, the 58-year-old coach of the Pakistan cricket team, died on March 18, 2007, in Kingston, Jamaica. 

He was found unconscious in his hotel room hours after Pakistan's shock defeat to Ireland in the 2007 Cricket World Cup. "It is the official policy of Pakistan to push drug into India," he said. 

"People to people contact (between India and Pakistan) is the biggest fraud ....," he added.  

On Samjhauta, he said - "It was a fixed between INC ... Indian National Congress and ISI". 

He further said - entire attempt was to make it a "Hindu attack".  

"If Ajmal Kasab was not held .... today it would have been a Hindu terror attack". 

Mani alleged that in June 2006, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh asked him to identify cases involving "Hindu terrorism." 

According to Mani, he informed the Congress leader that no such cases existed in the records available with the Home Ministry at that time. Mani also said during the stint of Shivraj Patil; it was Digvijaya Singh who used to summon officials, give them instructions. 

ends 

 

Eastern Flank or NSCN 'mainstream' factions behind explosion ?? :::: One Assam Rifles jawan killed, four injured in suspected IED blast in Nagaland

Manipur was in the cobweb of violence and blame giving mudslinging. The malady ...at least in small 'fraction' of it has entered Nagaland as well.    

Or it may be too early to make such claims ??

One Assam Rifles personnel was killed and several others were injured in a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) blast near the Longi area of Sukhovi in Chümoukedima district on Monday, July 13.

Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO), Kohima, said the suspected IED blast targeted Assam Rifles vehicles.

"A suspected IED blast is reported near Sukhovi on Assam Rifles vehicles. One security personnel has lost his life and four injured. Operation in progress. Further details awaited," the Defence PRO said.

"The bomb blast at Chümoukedima is a cowardly act that has no place in our society. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected. 

Those responsible will be identified and brought to justice. 

We will not allow such acts to threaten the peace and security of our people," Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio tweeted. 

Video Link

Meanwhile, initial field reports indicated that six Assam Rifles personnel were injured, one of whom succumbed to injuries, while two civilians also sustained minor injuries. However, these figures had not been officially confirmed at the time of filing. 

Security forces have launched a search operation in the area, and further details are awaited as the operation continues.

There is intense speculation on the causes of the blast. Informed analysts do not rule out possibilities of suspected militants' involvement. 

The wrongdoers could be from Eastern Flank or one of the 'mainstream factions', sources said.   

Possibilities of proxies of  a potent group cannot be ruled out even as by 'flaring up things' in Nagaland… the particular group does not achieve much.  

"One must say the public were very helpful in transferring the injured... to a nearby Govt hospital," says an eyewitness. He also claimed that the explosion was soon followed by a very loud sound even creating panic among those in the far off fields.  Agreeing with these versions for the sake of argument and going by the logic, a former military officer said -- 

"Suspicion may only grow over the possible handiwork of EF or their 'elements'.

The newly floated wing in the NSCN-IM said by such an incident at this juncture would "only leave a mark and also possibly make sure everyone is guessing". 

This is of course a matter of concern because July 13 blast is only the second IED blast within a week allegedly by a powerful Naga faction. 

On July 6, two soldiers of the 40th Battalion of the Assam Rifles were killed after suspected militants ambushed a convoy in Manipur’s Ukhrul district.

The deceased were identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Rifleman CM Singh, who was reportedly driving one of the convoy vehicles. 

Both sustained critical injuries in the attack and later succumbed.

Old File snap : Not related to recent news  

ends