Cause of sound remains a mystery
DIMAPUR, APRIL 12 (MExN): A deafening boom on Friday afternoon caused fear and panic among the citizens of Dimapur. The explosion like noise was heard at around 2:30 in town. These sounds have been an occasional occurrence in Nagaland since 2011. Speculation suggests that the noises are the cause of a ‘sonic boom’ of a fighter jet. However, neither the Indian Army nor the Indian Air Force has yet provided any official statement, or issued any clarification regarding the sound.
The frightening sound nearly led to a chaotic situation and a stampede was avoided in the Hong Kong Market Area, Dimapur. It was reported that the sound led people to believe that a bomb explosion had occurred, forcing shoppers to rush through the narrow exit lanes. Fortunately the situation calmed down, and an unwanted incident prevented.
The sound is reported to have caused panic among school children in town. Social networking sites were active with updates as members shared their views and expressed how the sound had instilled much fear.
On contacting the Police, it was informed that they were unaware of the cause and source of sound. A police official stated that the department was also alarmed by the sound but could not ascertain its cause. However, confirming that the sound was not caused by a bomb explosion, he added that no information had been provided by any section of the military.
A military source was coy regarding the incident and informed that a sonic boom is “muffled” and is caused only by jet fighters, but clarified that it does not sound like a bomb explosion. The PRO of the Eastern Air Command could not be reached for any comments. Cases of such incidents have occurred in other parts of the country as well.
In 2012, residents of Cuddalore district in Tamil Nadu were also alarmed by a similar sound. A report stated that the sound was caused by the ‘sonic boom’ of a Sukhoi fighter jet of the Indian Air Force.
Another 2005 report speaks of the fear caused in Raigad district of Maharashtra by a fireball in the sky followed by a loud blast like noise. In this case, officials of the Indian Air Force stepped forward with an explanation. Wing Commander Tarun Kumar Singha, PRO–Ahmedabad of Indian Air Force (IAF), stated that a Sukhoi-30 MKI jet crossing the sound barrier at low altitude had caused the sound and fireball. He was quoted as saying, “We monitored the news on the electronic media. Gradually, when more coverage started coming in, we felt it was necessary to inform the masses about the incident.”
It must be noted that Sukhoi fighters have been in operation from air force bases in Assam which falls under the Eastern Air Command.
Some citizens of Dimapur have stated that the military and the air force should provide a general public information before any exercise is undertaken. A concerned resident of the town stated, “If the sound was caused by fighter jets or any other military exercise, they should immediately inform the public.” With no clear explanation from any section of the military or the state, such incidents of mass panic would seem inevitable in the future.
.JPG)
