The performance of police and military intelligence have come into question after police recovered “bomb-like objects” from at least 10 places, including four in Guwahati, after the banned United Liberation Front of Assam – Independent (ULFA - I) group on Thursday, August 15, claimed to have planted these in many locations to trigger serial blasts across Assam on Independence Day.
The ULFA- I may have tried its best to make its presence felt during Independence Day, but even if it was a stunt, the incident has put a question mark on the security scenario in Guwahati as well as the state.
A retired IPS officer of DGP level talking to GPlus on condition of anonymity said, “During Independence Day and Republic Day, the banned organisations always try to make their presence felt,” adding that but how and who planted the bomb-like objects should be thoroughly investigated.
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On the eve of the Independence Day, the banned organisation released some information claiming that they have planted bombs in several locations across Assam and the bombs will explode between 6 am and 12 pm on Independence Day. On the day of Independence Day, the ULFA (I) issued a press release saying that the bombs did not explode because of “technical glitch” and informed where all the bombs were planted.
The Assam Police carried out searches across the state, including eight places in Guwahati. On Independence Day, the police recovered 8 “bomb-like objects” in eight places across Assam, including two in Guwahati – Pan Bazar and Gandhi Mandap. On August 16, too, the police and army carried out searches and in Guwahati till this report was filed two more bomb-like objects were recovered – Last Gate and Satgaon. The searches were continuing at the time this report was filed on Friday afternoon.
But, meanwhile, some issues were raised. On August 15, the road leading towards Gandhi Mandap was blocked for around 5 hours. A source in Central police district said that for around five hours the local police were waiting for the bomb squad.
A senior official in the special branch talking to GPlus said that the wing has two well-trained bomb squads and both cover entire Guwahati.
There were bomb threats in eight locations in Guwahati and the bomb squads were visiting these areas one after another as it was not possible for them to visit all the locations together.
Another police official said, “There were no such information from militiray intelligence,” adding military intelligence (MI) keeps track of banned organisations and their movements and are expected to share information with the police.
The police personnel deployed to search for the bombs were wearing usual police uniforms and were not seen taking any extra precautions.
A senior police official said, “It was a stunt by ULFA (I) to make their presence felt as they cannot collect donations now,” adding though that planting “bomb-like objects” is a matter of concern and will be investigated.
On Friday, August 16, DGP GP Singh made a public appeal, urging citizens to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation. He also announced a reward of ₹5 lakh for information.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed under the leadership of the Joint Commissioner of Police, Guwahati. This team will focus on uncovering the details behind the bomb scare and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The SIT will not only operate in Guwahati but will extend its probe to districts outside the city. The teams in other districts will be led by an Additional Superintendent of Police from the Crime Branch.
Well the police might be acting now, but the incident has raised security issues and performance of intelligence agencies.