Unified Command meets after Assam serial blasts

Guwahati, Nov 10 (UNI) The Unified Command (UC), spearheading counter-insurgency operations in Assam, met in the capital complex here today for a grueling session for the first time since 30/10 serial blasts.

The authorities were tight-lipped about the proceedings and refused to divulge any details after emerging from the over two-hour long meeting.

All pointed towards Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for any briefing on the meeting, with the latter also declining to give away anything.

Mr Gogoi, who heads the UC structure as the chief minister, chaired the meeting, with all top security personnel, including Director General of Police, and administrative heads, including Chief Secretary, attending the meeting.

The UC is in overall responsibility for carrying out the counter-insurgency operations.

Today's meeting holds great significance, as the strategy to deal with the new insurgency trends, especially rising terrorism in the aftermath of October 30 serial blasts, was likely to have been dealt with.

Meanwhile, the reports of involvement of ULFA-NDFB militants in the 30/10 blasts have reaffirmed the theory of jehadis carrying out the blasts with the help of local groups.

However, NDFB, currently in cease-fire, could not be contacted for verification, though a local television channel quoted NDFB leaders of dismissing the reports and claimed that the Bodo outfit was not involved.

Police as well as Special Investigative Team (SIT) probing the blasts have also been tightlipped about the progress of the investigations.

Meanwhile, toll in the nine synchronized blasts of October 30 has touched 85 so far, with another injured person succumbing last night.

UNI SG RH DB1626