70 killed, 300 injured in blasts in Assam, Cabinet meeting held

Guwahati, Oct 30 (UNI) The deadliest ever terrorist attack today left Assam numb as at least 70 people were killed and more than 300 wounded, several of them seriously, in 12 synchronised blasts in the state.

In New Delhi, the Union Cabinet, which met tonight, is understood to have discussed the blasts and the overall internal security situation in the country.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said all possible steps would be taken to maintain peace and bring the perpetrators of such acts to book.

''Such barbaric acts targeting innocent men, women and children only highlight the desperation and cowardice of those responsible, '' he said.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil also held a high level meeting to discuss the situation in Assam.

He spoke to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to get the detailed information about the blasts.

Altogether 12 highly powerful bombs ripped apart lower Assam and Guwahati, leaving a trail of devastation. The needle of suspicion is moving towards ''Jihadi'' elements in the initial stages of investigations though expert teams had refused to name any particular group.

Addressing a press conference xxx here picking up from para three of CA 50 BLAST-NIGHT-LEAD ASSAM UNI GT KP2352