Assam: Multilayer Security Ahead Of Independence Day Amid Calls For ‘Boycott’ By Militants

On August 5, a joint statement was issued by ULFA- I and NSCN calling for a "boycott" of Independence Day and a "total shutdown" from Sunday midnight till 6 pm on Monday.

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New Delhi: Ahead of Independence Day celebrations on Monday, multilayer security arrangement has been put in place across parade grounds and other sensitive areas in Assam after banned militant groups, United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) called for a “boycott” of the events and “total shutdown” in five states of the Northeast, a top police officer said on Sunday, reported news agency PTI. 

The Assam Police officer told the news agency that they have information on some movements of the insurgent groups in a few districts, mostly in those along the inter-state border with Arunachal Pradesh.

"We have got inputs of militant movements in a few districts, mostly in Upper Assam along the inter-state border with Arunachal. The district SPs have been asked to deploy a multi-layered security system in and around the parade grounds in the state," he said on condition of anonymity.

The officer added that after calls for boycott by ULFA-I and NSCN (K-YA), some may try to do “mischievous acts” during the celebrations of the Independence Day, although there is no specific threat input as of now from any part of the state. 

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Sensitive areas have been identified and extra precautions have been taken in those locations, he added. 

"Night dominations have been ensured by joint teams of security forces across these places. Besides, the regular patrolling has also been intensified," the police officer said.

Stating that proper security arrangements have been put in place across the state, he said that a peaceful Independence Day is expected.

"The response to celebrate the 75th Independence Day is overwhelming. People from all walks of life are eagerly waiting for the day to take part in the historic moment. Nobody is concerned about the boycott call," he said.

The main Independence Day function in Assam is scheduled to take place at the Veterinary College Playground in Khanapara in Guwahati.

On August 5, a joint statement was issued by ULFA- I and NSCN calling for a "boycott" of Independence Day and a "total shutdown" from Sunday midnight till 6 pm on Monday.

ULFA(I) has called for a boycott of the Independence Day celebrations after many years.