The Assam Police carried out extensive searches for explosive devices across the state on Independence Day following the discovery of “suspicious articles” in several cities and towns, including Guwahati.
Assam Director General of Police (DGP) GP Singh stated, “The Assam Police conducted thorough searches throughout the state today for explosive devices. In Guwahati, two suspicious articles were found and were examined by the Police Bomb Disposal Squad. While these items contained circuits and batteries, no ignition devices were present. The materials inside are being sent for forensic and chemical examination. Similar articles were found in Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Nalbari, and Nagaon, all of which have been safely disposed of.”
Guwahati Police Commissioner Diganta Barah provided further details, revealing that early in the day, the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) Independent claimed to have planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at eight locations in Guwahati. “Our teams conducted searches at all eight locations, finding no suspicious objects at six of them. However, at Panbazar and Gandhibasti, two IED-like objects were discovered, equipped with circuits, detonators, and batteries but lacking an ignition mechanism. Whether these objects are indeed explosives will be confirmed after chemical testing,” Barah stated.
In addition to the security operations, Assam Police intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, conducting two major anti-narcotics operations. Over 635 grams of heroin were seized during these operations. In one instance, Karimganj Police intercepted a vehicle at Gilaiti Hills traveling from a neighboring state and discovered 305 grams of heroin concealed inside. Two individuals were apprehended and are under investigation.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged the operations in a post on X. Earlier in June, the Assam Police seized 1.7 kilograms of heroin worth approximately Rs 8.5 crore near the Assam-Mizoram border and arrested one person in connection with the case.