Centre alerts Assam ahead of ULFA raising day

Guwahati, April 4 (IANS) Security agencies in Assam are prepared for any attempt by the anti-talk faction of ULFA to resort to violence ahead of April 7 which the banned outfit observes as its raising day.

On Wednesday, the central home ministry issued an advisory to the Assam government and neighbouring states to be on on alert vis-a-vis the United Liberation Front of Asom.

The advisory follows inputs that anti-talk faction of ULFA may try to create law and order situation as their leaders have directed their cadres to execute disturbances and disrupt normal life in the region.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was to visit Assam to open the year-long platinum jubilee celebrations of the state assembly April 7, has also postponed his visit due to "unavoidable circumstances".

Sources in the state government say this will now be held April 20 with the prime minister in attendance.

A senior police officer told IANS: "We have taken all possible precaution to foil any attempt by the militants to create law and order situation ahead of its raising day. Adequate security personnel have been deployed at all strategic points such as oil installations and rail tracks.

"We have also deployed forces in civil uniform at railway stations as well as in inter-state bus terminus to detect suspected militants," he said.

The officer said the militants might try to use the services of Meghalaya-based Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) and other smaller outfits to carry out subversive activities in and around Assam.

Besides, the state police, there are over 100 companies of paramilitary forces deployed in Assam.

ULFA's pro-talk faction headed by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa has been engaged in peace talks with the government.

But the outfit's military chief Paresh Baruah is opposed to any dialogue and wants to continue the armed campaign.