Assam: After Multiple Blasts And ULFA Threat, DGP Gets In Touch With Central Agencies

In response to the recent explosions in Assam, the state police have contacted the NIA. A team from the central agency will reach Assam on Saturday to investigate the incidents.

File photo of Assam DGP GP Singh

The National Investigation Agency will help the Assam Police nab the perpetrators of the recent blasts in the state, DGP GP Singh has said. The blasts are a reminder of the dark 1980s and 90s when the militant organisation, United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), was most active in the state and used to carry out kidnappings, bomb explosions, extortions, smuggling, targeted assassinations, and mass attacks.

"The people involved in these blasts will be identified. We are already in touch with the NIA and the NIA team is coming. We will discuss this with NIA and other central intelligence agencies about the recent blast incidents. We will catch those who are involved in these blasts and we will take the strongest action against them," DGP GP Singh was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Recently, a series of explosions in the Upper Assam region have become a concern for the safety of people. Three blasts took place in 23 days in Tinsukia, Sivasagar, and Jorhat — all of them near Army and CRPF camps. The ULFA (Independent) claimed responsibility for the blast near an army station gate in Jorhat district on December 14, as well as incidents in Tinsukia on November 22 and Sivasagar on December 9.

In a statement released on December 15, ULFA(I) asserted that the indigenous population need not panic, emphasizing that their actions were a response to DGP Singh's alleged attempts to portray the outfit's demands as a "law and order problem" rather than a political issue, reported news agency PTI.

In response, the DGP challenged ULFA(I), stating, ''They always refer to me, and if they have a cause, they can target me directly. I live in Kahilipara, and my office (DGP headquarters) is in Ulubari, both in Guwahati. There's no need to harass the common people by resorting to random grenade attacks.''

Expressing concern, the DGP highlighted that the continuous occurrence of such blasts could divert the police force's attention from crucial investigations, affecting the common people adversely.

A minor explosion occurred on Thursday night near an army gate in the Lichubari area of Jorhat, causing no casualties or damage. A thorough search operation has been launched in Jorhat and surrounding areas to apprehend the culprits. Acting on a tip-off, the police discovered a locally made hand grenade in Hijuguri Lankeshwar Gohain Nagar in Tinsukia. The area has been cordoned off, awaiting further investigations by an NIA team scheduled to arrive on Saturday.

Security measures have been intensified, with increased patrolling in the Upper Assam districts. ULFA(I) had previously claimed responsibility for two blasts in Tinsukia and Sivasagar, citing dissatisfaction with the DGP's alleged arrogance.

The DGP, responding to ULFA(I)'s earlier claims, reiterated the commitment of Assam Police, Army, and CAPF personnel to protect the country's integrity and sovereignty. He emphasized their determination to eradicate terrorism hindering the state's growth, pledging to use the full force of the law against those impeding progress and development.

(With PTI inputs.)