ULFA-I bomb scare in Assam: CM appeals for peace

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday appealed to Paresh Baruah, commander-in-chief of the banned militant outfit ULFA-I, to refrain from creating an environment detrimental to investments in the state.

This came after the outlawed group claimed to have planted bombs at 24 locations across Assam.

While ULFA-I later admitted to technical glitches preventing the bombs from detonating, the threat cast a shadow over the state's Independence Day celebrations.

Sarma stressed the importance of maintaining peace for Assam's progress, highlighting the state's burgeoning investment climate.

"Assam is on the path to development after decades of turmoil. Creating an environment of fear and violence will only harm the aspirations of our young people," Sarma said.

ULFA-I earlier said in its statement, “This to inform the indigenous people of Assam that on behalf of the United Liberation Front of Assam [Independent], the military protest which was scheduled to be carried out from 6 a.m. to 12 noon on August 15 could not be carried out due to technical glitches. Therefore, the locations of the protests have been made public in view of public safety.”

Security forces have launched a thorough search of the areas listed by ULFA-I, but no confirmed explosives have been found so far.