Security Lapses Uncovered as ULFA-I Plants Fake Bombs Across Assam
The effectiveness of police and military intelligence is under scrutiny following the recovery of "bomb-like objects" from at least 10 locations, including four in Guwahati. This comes after the banned United Liberation Front of Assam – Independent (ULFA-I) claimed on August 15 to have planted these objects to trigger serial blasts across Assam on Independence Day.
Despite appearing as a stunt, the incident has raised significant concerns about the security framework in Guwahati and the wider state. A retired IPS officer, speaking anonymously to GPlus, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into how these objects were planted, particularly given the heightened vigilance during national celebrations.
On the eve of Independence Day, ULFA-I released information alleging multiple bomb placements, predicting explosions between 6 am and 12 pm. On August 15, a claim of a "technical glitch" was made when the bombs failed to detonate, and their locations were disclosed. Assam Police swiftly initiated searches, uncovering eight "bomb-like objects" in various places, including two in Guwahati’s Pan Bazar and Gandhi Mandap.
By August 16, additional searches led to the recovery of two more objects in Guwahati. Search operations were ongoing as this report was compiled. However, multiple issues were exposed during this period. Notably, a five-hour delay was experienced due to the unavailability of bomb squads, despite the presence of two such teams in Guwahati. The squads struggled to cover all areas simultaneously amidst escalating threat levels.
Furthermore, criticisms were directed at the police for lacking adequate protective gear while conducting searches and concerns were raised about the absence of military intelligence foresight, which failed to anticipate the ULFA-I’s actions despite monitoring banned organizations.
DGP GP Singh has called for public assistance and announced a ₹5 lakh reward for helpful information. An SIT, led by the Joint Commissioner of Police, has been established to investigate the bomb scare comprehensively. This inquiry will also extend beyond Guwahati, involving district-level efforts spearheaded by Additional Superintendents of Police from the Crime Branch.
While the police response is ongoing, the incident has unequivocally spotlighted glaring gaps in Assam’s security and intelligence apparatus.
Original Story https://www.guwahatiplus.com/exclusive-news/how-able-is-the-security-scenario-of-assam
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