Blasts fail to dampen I-Day celebrations in Assam

Independence Day was celebrated across Assam on Monday despite militants opposed to peace talks triggering six blasts in different parts of the state earlier in the day.

At least 11 factions of militant outfits in the northeast region including the anti-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) and others had called for a shutdown on Monday.

ULFA militants triggered an IED blast at Philobari in Tinsukia district. The blast that took place near the national highway caused no injuries or damages.

This followed five other blasts in Dibrugarh and Sivasagar district where also no one was injured.

Several schools and organisations took out colourful processions in different areas of the state to mark the day after unfurling the Tricolour.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal unfurled the Tricolour at the official celebration of the Assam government at Veterinary College ground in Guwahati's Khanapara area.

Sonowal reiterated his government's commitment to the detection and deportation of illegal Bangladeshis in Assam and said that the government was committed to an Assam free from illegal immigrants, corruption, terrorism and pollution.

"Our government is committed to safeguard the interests of each and every ethnic community, tribe and race. To take our national commitment to its logical end, we are on a mission mode to complete NRC update by 2017," he said adding that sealing of the porous Indo-Bangladesh border was a priority for the government.

Director General of Assam Police, Mukesh Sahay hoisted the Tricolour at the Assam Police Headquarters in Ulubari.

--IANS

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