Serial blasts mar Digboi R–Day celebrations

From our Correspondent

DIGBOI, January 27: Republic Day was observed despite threats and unrest here at the historical Jubilee Playground in Digboi.

Rameshwar Dhanowar, former Congress Minister of Assam and present MLA of Digboi, hoisted the tiol flag and took the salute as the chief guest.  Dhanowar, during his address, reiterated the historical importance of the day and its role to uphold and promote tiol integration. Dhanowar was also felicitated for his remarkable contribution to society.

Earlier, two bombs exploded just half an hour before the unfurling of the tri colour at two different locations of Digboi including Borbil, one being just behind Mascot Restaurant near a railway track and another under a wall erected between SBI and Makum Motors (petrol pump) near Charali Bazar.  However, no casualties or major loss to property were reported though the wall was damaged and few window panes of the bank were shattered.

Meanwhile, Digboi Police foiled the attempt of ULFA cadres to plant a bomb with PTD in a market place in Digboi.  “Had the security forces not been successful to foil the attempt,  the explosion would have occurred in a busy place causing large–scale damage,” said a former ULFA leader of 28 Battalion.