Blast, foiled attack mars Asom bandh

Guwahati, Oct 20 (UNI) A bomb blast was reported in Upper Asom while a major train disaster was averted in lower Asom during the 10-hour state-wide bandh called by the People's Committee for Peace Initiative in Asom (PCPIA) today affecting normal life.

Police sources informed that a blast took place near Disari tea estate in Khowang of Dibrugarh district of the state triggered by suspected ULFA militants. A police team was suspected to be the target.

However, no casualties had been reported so far.

Earlier, a bomb was found by a CRPF patrol party on a railway track near Kaithakuchi in Nalbari district, North Eastern Frontier (NF) Railway authorities informed.

The Manas Rhino passenger train, carrying thousands of commuters from lower Asom, had reached nearby Tihu station at the time.

The train was immediately stopped and all train traffic was diverted through the southern route till the route was declared safe for passage, the authorities said.

A bomb disposal squad, which defused the bomb, informed that it was not of high intensity as was suspected. Trains services through the route had resumed since then.

Meanwhile, the bandh affected life in the Brahmaputra valley.

However, very little or no impact was seen in the hills districts, Barak valley and Bodo dominated areas.

The PCPIA, a frontal organisation of the proscribed ULFA, had called the bandh demanding immediate suspension of operations against the banned outfit and resumption of peace talks between the government and the ULFA.

Attendance at government offices was normal, though educational institution, banks and business establishments remained closed.

Public transport remained off the road. However, train and air services were not hit by the bandh.

UNI SG-MT JYN AB 1731