ULFA Main Suspect behind R-Day Assam Blasts, Confirms DGP

Guwahati, January 26, 2020:

Assam DGP Bhakarjyoti Mahanta has confirmed that the proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom Independent (ULFA-I) is the main suspect behind the blasts that occurred earlier in the morning today, while the entire nation was busy celebrating Republic Day.

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Speaking to the media,, Mahanta said, "Four blasts have taken place at four places including Dibrugarh and Duliajan. No casualty or damage of property has been reported. We suspect ULFA, preliminary investigation is indicating towards that. Investigation is underway..."

As many as five blasts were reported from several towns in Assam amid the ongoing Republic Day celebrations. Two blasts took place in Dibrugarh town of Assam at about 8 am today. The first of the blasts took place at Graham bazar (near NH37) near a garbage dumping area. The 2nd blast occurred near the boundary wall of Sikh National school at Marwari Patty, Dibrugarh. According to reports, the wall of the school has been slightly damaged.

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Meanwhile, the United Liberation Front of Asom Independent (or ULFA-I) has urged for a complete boycott of Republic Day celebrations in Assam and exhorted the people of the Northeast Indian state to “stay indoors”. The militant outfit issued its customary call of a “general strike” on January 26.

In a statement sent out by ULFA chairman Abhijeet Asom, the militant group has urged the people of the State to fight against “colonial rule” by protesting against the Indian Government and not take part in any Republic Day celebrations. However, emergency services would remain exempted from the boycott, the ULFA’s statement said.

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