On Thursday and Friday a total number of 10 ‘bomb-like’ objects were discovered across Assam, unsettling the political environment in the state. The confusion arose after the outlawed militant outfit ULFA(I) claimed to have placed 24 bombs for detonations to coincide with serial number blasts on Independence Day. The Opposition has seized on this, calling for Sarma’s resignation as Chief Minister and expressing doubts about the state’s safety.
Of the eight objects identified on Thursday, the police recovered two objects each in five districts, including Guwahati. This followed an email from ULFA(I) to several media houses, in which the group declared it had placed 24 bombs across the state. The email also explained that the bombs did not detonate due to a technical hitch and appealed for public assistance to identify and neutralize the remaining bombs. On Friday, two more such objects were located in Guwahati—one by the Army cantonment in Satgaon and the other near the Secretariat and Ministers’ Colony at Last Gate.
Police Response and Investigation
The Assam Director General of Police (DGP) G. P. Singh briefed the media on Friday about the objects resembling bombs found in the state. Out of the four devices discovered within Guwahati city limits, four cases have been registered. According to DGP Singh, these matters will be addressed by the concerned officer-in-charge and investigated by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted under the Joint Commissioner of Guwahati Police and monitored by the Commissioner of Guwahati Police. Similar SITs have been set up in other districts where such objects have been found: Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Nalbari, Nagaon.
To encourage public cooperation, the Assam Police announced a reward of ₹5 lakh for anyone providing information about the manufacturing, transportation, and planning of these devices. Assam DGP said that, “We will ensure that those involved are brought to justice. We will pursue our efforts to maintain law and order in Assam relentlessly and will not spare anyone who tries to create unrest in this state.”
Assam Opposition Criticizes Government’s Security Lapses
During the ongoing probe, opposition leaders in Assam have heavily criticized the state government, particularly the Home Department under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. They argue that the appearance of such explosive-like materials in several districts is clear evidence of reduced security and have criticized the state law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Independent MLA and Raijor Dol leader Akhil Gogoi was the first to call for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s resignation, saying, “It is only because ULFA has spared them that these bombs did not explode. This incident has proven that any anti-Assam terrorist can plant bombs in this state and kill innocents. With a lot of arrogance, the government is claiming that the BJP had cleared all insurgencies.”
What is ULFA(I)?
The United Liberation Front of Assam (Independent) or ULFA(I) is a separatist militant organization that seeks Assam’s independence from India. Founded in 1979, ULFA(I) has carried out bombings, kidnappings, and armed assaults, primarily against government and security forces. The group is officially banned in India and has been designated a terrorist organization.
ULFA(I) emerged from the original ULFA, which bifurcated in 2011. While one faction, led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, entered into negotiations with the Indian government for cessation of operations, the other faction, led by Paresh Baruah, continued militancy under ULFA(I). It remains active in Assam and other regions of northeastern India, pursuing its goal through attacks on representatives of Indian power.
Calls for Political Accountability
The criticism extends beyond Akhil Gogoi, with other political leaders also demanding accountability. Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Borah urged CM Sarma to focus on his actual responsibilities rather than provoking the people with issues like ‘flood jihad’ or ‘love jihad.’ Borah stated, “I appeal to Himanta Biswa Sarma not to attempt to alienate himself from his duties. Instead, the BJP government should address the ULFA(I) discontent politically and resign from his post.”
Independent Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Bhuyan and Asom Jatiya Parishad chief Lurinjyoti Gogoi have also called for Sarma’s resignation, adding pressure on the state government. Union ministers and BJP leaders have often claimed that their government ensured peace in the Northeast and minimized insurgency, but this incident undermines such claims. As Assam grapples with this security debacle, political repercussions are becoming evident, with demands for a thorough investigation increasing. The state government now faces the dual challenge of addressing security threats and political fallout from this incident.
News Reference: The Indian Express
