Asom blasts draw condemnation, ULFA blamed

Guwahati, Nov 6 (UNI) Condemnation poured forth from all quarters to yesterday's twin bomb blasts which claimed 13 lives even as official sources today held the United Liberation Front of Asom(ULFA) responsible for the attacks.

Governor Lt Gen.(Retd) Ajai Singh visited the blast sites this morning and told newsmen that the government would tighten security and bring the culprits to book.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who cut short his visit to Delhi and returned today, also visited the spots. Two simultaneous blasts, which occurred at about 1835 hrs at the city's main commercial areas, left 50 injured.

Official sources said ULFA was behind the attack though the banned outfit had rejected the claim.

Meanwhile, the opposition Asom Gana Parishad(AGP) led the political quarters in condemning the incident.

Stopping short of demanding President's rule in the state, AGP spokesperson Apurba Bhattacharyya said the Gogoi-led Congress government should be removed from power.

The state BJP also condemned the blasts and said civilians should not be killed in the fight between the government and the insurgents.

The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) also criticised ULFA for their ''inhuman act'' and demanded adequate security for the people.

AASU advisor Samujjal Bhattacharjya said, ''The government has failed to protect the people's lives and property.'' The People's Committee for Peace Initiative in Asom (PCPIA), spearheading a movement for resumption of peace talks with ULFA, also condemned the killings.

Meanwhile, shops and business establishments in most parts of the city remained closed in response to a bandh call given by the Kamrup Chamber of Commerce.

The government has announced Rs 3 lakh ex gratia to next of kin and free treatment to the injured besides, a grant of Rs 50,000.

UNI SG PL YA BS1533