New Delhi - At least eight people were killed by a bomb
blamed on separatist militants in India's north-eastern state of
Assam on Monday, news reports said.
More than 30 people were wounded in the explosion that occurred in
the crowded market area in the Maligaon suburb of state capital
Guwahati, the NDTV network reported.
Several cars and shops caught fire following the bombing and fire
tenders were rushed to the area to douse the blaze, the report said.
The wounded were taken to nearby hospitals where doctors said the
condition of at least six of the injured was 'critical.'
Senior police official GP Singh told the IANS that the bomb was
planted on a motorcyle and the authorities suspected Assam's biggest
separatist outfit, the United Liberation Front of Asom, for the
blast.
The ULFA, which has been fighting for an independent homeland
since 1979, marks its 30th Raising Day on Tuesday.
The blast also came a day before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is
scheduled to address an election rally for the ruling Congress party
in the state.
Soon after the bombing, mobs angry over the lack of security in
Assam attacked the local police station and pelted stones at security
personnel.
It was the second bombing within a week. One person was killed
in blast in a market in Guwahati last Tuesday. Police dispersed the
mobs with batons.
Also on Monday, local media reported an explosion in the northern
town of Dhekiajuli in Assam that injured four people. Police blamed
that bombing the ULFA, as well.
India's north-east, which shares borders with China, Myanmar and
Bangladesh, is a volatile region where nearly 40 separatist, tribal
or leftist groups are active in five states.
More than 15,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency in the
region in the past decade.
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