One arrested, ISF claim responsibility for Assam blasts

Guwahati, Oct 31 (UNI) The security forces made a significant breakthrough when they arrested one Zulfikar Ali, whose motorcycle Was used in one of the blasts, this evening, even as a little known organisation Islamic Students Federation (ISF) claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Senior police officials confirmed that Zulfikar's bike was used in the Panbazar blast, adding that he hailed from Moirabari, the place from where an SMS was sent to some media organisations, claiming responsibility for the blast.

Police confirmed the existence of the little known organisation which was reported to be active in some parts of lower Assam.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and BJP leader L K Advani visited the blast-affected sites and hospitals even as the toll reached 77.

A deadly cocktail of RDX and TNT was used in yesterday's blasts, NSG sleuths informed. They have been focusing on the jehadi angle, drawing corelations with similar blasts in New Delhi, Ahmedabad and other places recently.

However, the ULFA angle is also doing the rounds and Mr Advani as well as Mr Patil, while interacting with newspersons, did not exonerate the outfit, even though the ULFA had issued a denial yesterday.

NSG sleuths have begun investigations to close in on the culprits with the needle of suspicion pointing towards jehadi elements and cross-border terrorism.

EDS: Here pick up suitably from earlier series.

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