Assam blast: Govt for assault against ULFA

Guwahati, Nov 6: Asom today promised a "frontal assault" on the ULFA for last evening's twin blasts which claimed 13 lives even as condemnation poured forth from all quarters.

Governor Lt Gen. (Retd.) Ajay Sinha, who reviewed the ground situation, confirmed the outfit's involvement. The police also confirmed the ULFA's involvement in the blast which occurred at about 1835 hours at the city's main commercial areas and left 57 injured.

Lt Gen.(Retd.) Sinha visited the site this afternoon and said the government would tighten security.

The government had assured free treatment to the injured besides, a grant of Rs 50,000 and announced Rs 3 lakh compensation to each of the deceased's families.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, after cutting short his trip in Delhi, went straight to the site of carnage. ''This is shocking and barbaric,'' a visibly shocked chief minister told the waiting media.

The Governor was also in favour of a strong action against the ULFA.

Chief Secretary S K Kabilan indicated that the state government would take necessary action.

Union Home Secretary V.K.Duggal reached here from New Delhi to take part in the crucial Unified Command structure meeting to take action against the ULFA.

However, the United Liberation Front of Asom rejected the claim of its involvement.

Incidentally, dialogues between the Centre and the People's Consultative Group, which brokered peace talks on behalf of the ULFA, had broken down recently and the army re-launched its offensive against the outfit.

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 the 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 life and property.'' The People's Committee for Peace Initiative in Asom (PCPIA), spearheading a movement for resumption of peace talks with the ULFA, also condemned the killings.

Guwahati, today witnessed a bandh in response to a call given by the Kamrup Chamber of Commerce. Shops and business establishments in most parts of this capital city remained closed.

EDS:Here pick up suitably from related series.

UNI

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