Ulfa(I) triggers IED blast near BJP office in Assam, 1 killed and 12 injured

Guwahati: Suspected rebels of anti-talk faction of Ulfa (I) on Monday triggered a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast outside the BJP office and killed at least one civilian and injured 12 others at Doodhnoi in Western Assam’s Goalpara district. At least two policemen who were on duty of guarding the BJP office were also critically wounded.

Police said that blast took place in a crowded locality of Doodhnoi town at about 7.25 pm. Security sources said that Ulfa (I) had planted the IED targeting the BJP office where a lot of BJP supporters had gathered.

Police said that condition of at least two civilians out of 12 injured was stated to be very critical. They have been shifted to Goalpara Civil Hospital.

Pointing out that entire focus of security forces was on Upper and Southern Assam where polling was held on Monday, security sources said that Ulfa (I) rebels took the advantage of the situation.

It is significant that Ulfa (I) had threatened to target BJP and warned the people to refrain from attending their rallies. The Ulfa (I) in press statement to local media had also threatened to target BJP leaders while asking to clarify their position on nominating ex-Ulfa rebel Bhaskar Sarma as candidate from Margherita in Upper Assam.

Though, Ulfa (I) has not been able to create any disturbance in the first phase of polling on Monday, it chose to target Lower Assam which is going to vote on April 11.

Meanwhile, security has been intensified in the area going to poll in second phase. Security sources said that home ministry has also sought the report from the state government on Doodhnoi blast.