Tight security for Republic Day celebration in Asom

Guwahati, Jan 25 (UNI) A tight security net has been cast over Asom for the Republic Day celebrations tomorrow following boycott calls by militant outfits.

Four militant outfits of the North East, including the ULFA, had called for boycott of the celebrations in line with its practice of warning against observation of any national day in the region since the past several years.

Police here informed that security had been beefed up at all vital installations, busy areas and regular patrolling undertaken across the state. Police patrolling on a massive scale was seen in Guwahati since early this morning.

Night railway traffic has already been suspended since yesterday till January 27 to thwart any militant strike on passenger trains under the cover of darkness.

Security in the airports of the state, railway stations and bus depots had been tightened with sniffer dogs and metal detectors being employed by the security forces.

The area near the Judges' Field in Guwahati, the venue of the central celebration in the state, has been put under strict security vigil. The Field has been kept out of bounds for the common people for long.

Traffic restrictions have been imposed and check points and security personnel stationed throughout this capital city in the wake of recent ULFA blasts in the city.

The state has witnessed carnage by the ULFA since the beginning of the month with no sign of let up in violence. Over 80 people had lost their lives in violence triggered by the banned outfit against Hindi-speaking people on January five-six.

UNI