Two blasts at Guwahati Republic Day celebrations

Two blasts at Guwahati Republic Day celebrations

Wednesday, January 26, 2005 (New Delhi):

There have been two blasts at the venue of Republic Day celebrations in Guwahati today.

The first blast in Guwahati took place just before the state Governor's arrival for the celebrations, while the other went off within minutes of his arrival.

There were been no reports of any casualties.

Heavy security

Meanwhile, thousands of security personnel are on high alert for Republic Day celebrations across the country today.

There have been reports that ULFA may target the King of Bhutan who is the chief guest at this year's Republic Day parade, as Bhutan carried out a crackdown on the ULFA a year back.

Militant group Al-Mansurian has threatened to target the celebration venues, and security has been tightened in all sensitive areas, especially along the border.

Militant threat

In Srinagar, police personnel are guarding the Bakshi stadium, the main venue of Republic Day function in the state. Security has been increased in view of last week's fidayeen attack near the site.

All roads leading to the stadium have been closed and a three-kilometer radius around the stadium has been sanitised.

Security net around vital installations, particularly the central government offices, has been tightened following intelligence information of possible fidayeen attacks.

"We don't feel we have to make extra-ordinary preparations. But we have analyzed all the militant threats and we have made comprehensive plans to tackle those threats," said Kashmir DIG H K Lohia.

Special measures

Patrolling has also been intensified along the India-Bangladesh border, which has been witnessing infiltration.

Security men on roads are checking suspicious people and bomb disposal squads have been deployed in some areas.

"We have to take special measures to see that militants are not able to cross over the border. We have opened around 30 extra posts in and around the border area and the interiors," said G M Srivastava, DG Police, Tripura.

Capital on alert

The national capital has also been put on red alert and security forces have cordoned off the India Gate area from where the main parade will be taken out.

In Gujarat, State Reserve Police and para-military forces have been deployed in Ahmedabad at all sensitive areas. Vehicles are being checked and police officials are deployed at every corner of the city.

Security measures have also been made in Andhra Pradesh, where the situation is tense after the assassination of a TDP MLA. The state cabinet has ordered heavy deployment of forces at 'vulnerable areas' during the Republic Day celebrations.

In Jharkhand, patrolling has been intensified in the naxal-infested areas where ultras tend to prevent people from participating in the celebrations.

from ndtv.com