Eight killed in blast in India's Assam state (2nd Roundup)

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.