Chechnya’s president-elect pledged to bring peace and stability to his war-torn southern Russian region today after the Kremlin-backed candidate was elected in a vote tainted by allegations of fraud and overshadowed by fears of terrorism.

A SUICIDE attacker set off an explosion that tore through a commuter train yesterday near the rebellious region of Chechnya, killing 40 people and wounding scores of others.

Russian President Vladimir Putin today ordered a constitutional referendum to be held in Chechnya, hoping it will help bring peace and stability to the war-ravaged region.

A woman was killed and five were injured when a powerful explosion tore through the headquarters of the Russian-backed Government in Chechnya during a Cabinet meeting today.