Blast in Nalbari, explosives recovered

Guwahati, Jan 25 (UNI) The ULFA today exploded a bomb at Nalbari town of lower Assam even as security forces foiled one attempt at Kokrajhar, while another bomb was found near Chapaguri.

Police informed that the bomb went off at 1800 hours in Nalbari town, injuring two businessmen.

The bomb was planted in a cycle.

On the eve of Republic Day, a powerful bomb and large cache of explosives were recovered in separate incidents in western Assam districts today.

The security forces recovered a powerful time bomb in Kokrajhar town, averting a major disaster.

According to official sources, the bomb was recovered in front of the civil hospital around 0500 hours. It was kept on the pavement, wrapped in plastics.

The bomb, containing two kg of explosives, was spotted by alert security personnel, and bomb disposal squads of the Army were called in immediately.

They later defused the bomb in safe sites.

In the other incident, explosives were recovered from a bus in Chapaguri area in Bongaigaon district at about 1045 hours. The haul contained 200 detonators and 170 gelatin sticks, police said.

Meanwhile, massive security arrangements had been made across Assam for Republic Day celebration tomorrow with all parade grounds having been turned into virtual fortresses.

Official sources said security had been tightened at all places, especially near vital installations, bus and railway depots, airports.

The insurgent outfits, including the ULFA, had already called for boycott of the Republic Day in their 'ritualistic' fashion.

Checking of all vehicles and frisking of passengers had been undertaken throughout the state. Night train movement had also been suspended to avert any possible militant strike.

Republic Day parade grounds in most places in the state had been dug up in the last couple of days to ensure that no explosive devices were kept buried.

The itinerary of Ministers, who will hoist flags at different places, had also been kept a secret.

UNI SG-MT SJC RN1955