Banned militant outfit United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) claimed on Thursday that its has planted bombs in 24 locations across Assam.
The places include Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Nagaon, and at least eight spots in Guwahati.
The outlawed group said in a statement that they wanted to demonstrate their strength by carrying out bomb blasts across the state from 6 a.m. to 12 noon on Independence Day, but due to 'technical reasons' they have called off the operation.
A list of the 'targeted' areas along with pictures, including one close to the Secretariat in state capital Dispur, were also released by ULFA-I.
The group, which calls for a 'sovereign Assam', said in the statement: “This to inform the indigenous people of Assam that on behalf of the United Liberation Front of Assam [Independent], the military protest which was scheduled to be carried out from 6 a.m. to 12 noon on August 15 could not be carried out due to technical glitches. Therefore, the locations of the protests have been made public in view of public safety.”
Meanwhile, the police have jumped into action after learning about ULFA-I’s bomb threat, launching a thorough investigation into the matter.
A senior officer said that police teams have been dispatched to look for the bombs using the list that the outlawed militant group released. The police have found some suspicious devices in some locations and further investigation is underway, sources said.
Earlier, separatist groups NSCN (Yung Aung) and ULFA-I jointly called for boycotting all Independence Day celebrations besides giving a shutdown call on August 15 in Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
To recall, a bomb blast during an Independence Day parade at the Dhemaji College ground in Assam in 2004 had left at least 18 people dead and numerous others injured.
The police claimed that the explosive placed close to the college gate was set off by a remote-controlled device. The blast occurred when teachers and children from different schools were passing through the gate.
After the blast, the locals attacked police vehicles near the college, forcing the cops to resort to lathi charge and firing of tear gas shells.
UK PM announces new 1.6-billion-pound deal for Ukraine to buy missiles
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain will allow Ukraine to use 1.6 billion pounds ($2 billion) of British export finance to purchase more than 5,000 air defence missiles.
'PM Modi working for welfare of all communities without discrimination', says Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah Committee chief
Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah Committee Chairman Syed Afsar Ali Nizami on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attending the Sufi music festival 'Jahan-e-Khusro' and said that he gave the message of brotherhood and works for the welfare of all communities and religion without any discrimination.
Mizoram: Security forces seize drugs valued at Rs 66.31 crore
The Assam Rifles in association with Mizoram Police in two separate joint operations have seized huge quantities of drugs worth Rs 66.31 crore from bordering Champhai district, which shares unfenced border with Myanmar and a hotspot of drugs smuggling, officials said on Sunday.
International Wheelchair Day: India emphasises inclusion of persons with disabilities
This day not only highlights the significance of wheelchairs in the lives of users but also serves as an important opportunity to enhance awareness and inclusivity in society, said the ministry on the occasion of the ‘International Wheelchair Day 2025’.
BJP committed to holistic development of Tripura – CM Dr Manik Saha celebrates 2 years of BJP’s second tenure in Tripura
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Sunday joined the party’s celebration of 2 years of its second tenure in Tripura and said that the BJP is committed to holistic development of the state.
Communism is a system designed to ruin future of youth: Biplab
Former Tripura Chief Minister and Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb launched a scathing attack on the CPI(M), asserting that Communism is a system designed to ruin the future of youth and women.
5 including four Govt officials arrested for embezzlement of Rs 29 Lakh in Sepahijala SP Office
Five individuals, including four government officials, have been arrested for their involvement in the embezzlement of Rs 29.04 lakh from the office of the Sepahijala District Superintendent of Police. A case was filed in February 2024 by the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) of the SP's office, leading to an investigation.
Another member of robbery gang held, Weapons, TSR uniforms seized
Tripura Police of Churaibari police station has arrested another active member of the dacoity gang involved in the recent armed heist in Gobindapur, North Tripura district.