Bombs found across Assam

Region on maximum alert for Independence Day - Huge ammunition haul

The recovered explosives. Picture by Eastern Projections Aug. 16 : Security forces in Assam recovered a huge cache of explosives from Sadiya in the east to Bongaigaon in the west on the eve of Independence Day today, averting possible disasters akin to the October serial blasts last year. Explosives weighing about 50kg were recovered from Sadiya in Tinsukia district while seven TNT slabs, each weighing about half-a-kg, were recovered from the Assam-Meghalaya border near Ukium on the outskirts of Guwahati. An improvised explosive device was found in Bongaigaon district. The recoveries came amid tight security arrangements for tomorrow. The arrest of an Ulfa cadre, Mintu Rabha alias Raju, from Jyotinagar in Guwahati last night led to the recovery of seven TNT slabs, 10 electronic detonators, six 9-volt batteries and a bundle of fuse wire from an isolated spot along the Assam-Meghalaya border this morning. The explosives were hidden under stones. A 9mm pistol was also found on Rabha. Additional superintendent of police (City) Debajit Deori said Rabha, 20, came from Barama in Baksa district and was a cadre of Ulfa’s 709 battalion. He had joined Ulfa about three months ago and was staying in a rented house at Jyotinagar disguised as a daily wage earner. “These TNT slabs could be easily turned into powerful bombs simply by connecting the detonators and batteries to it,” Deori said. “Ulfa might be having some big plans since they have stacked these explosives on the outskirts of the city. We are investigating,” he added. “One such TNT slab is powerful enough to derail a train,” a CRPF officer said. City police also picked up a vegetable vendor from Geetanagar for his suspected Ulfa links. The police have not yet disclosed his name. From Ghumuria reserve forest in Sadiya, the army recovered around 50kg explosives, 104 electric detonators, 22 metre of safety fuse, a 10- metre wire, 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition and one 9mm magazine last night. Army sources said they had information that militants were moving large quantities of explosives from Nagaland’s Mon district into Assam’s Tinsukia district prior to Independence Day. Alerted by a villager, the army recovered an IED, packed inside a pickle container, from under a newly constructed bridge on National Highway 31 at Rakhaldubi in Bongaigaon. Army and paramilitary forces have beefed up their already tight security on the eve of Independence Day. Like in previous years, NF Railway has suspended night running of trains. Neighbouring Meghalaya is gearing up for Independence Day celebrations despite the 24-hour bandh called by the Khasi hills-based Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council from 6 this evening. The 63rd Independence Day celebrations in Shillong will begin with a “Freedom Run” followed by hoisting of the Tricolour by chief minister D.D. Lapang and the ceremonial salute at Polo Ground at 9am. Security has been beefed up throughout Manipur with the Manipur Peoples Liberation Front boycotting tomorrow’s Independence Day functions.