Guwahati, Jan 25: With Republic Day around the corner, security measures in upper Assam have been intensified amid concerns of a potential terror strike by Ulfa-I cadres, who have announced their boycott of the Republic Day celebrations.
Dibrugarh Superintendent of Police (SP) Shwetank Mishra reassured the public, stating, “We are fully prepared to ensure peaceful Republic Day celebrations, allowing citizens to partake without fear. Over the past month, intensive patrolling has been underway in all crucial locations and vulnerable areas. Night patrolling has also been intensified. In addition to regular naka checking, extensive patrolling is being conducted on highways, roads, bridges, and embankments.”
Mishra stated that security forces have been assigned to protect vital installations in the district, including oil and gas pipelines, powerhouses, transmission towers, major bridges, railway stations, the airport, markets, and public places, all of which are under close surveillance.
In response to the perceived threat, security checkpoints have been established at various locations within the town and its outskirts, particularly at entry and exit points. “All incoming and outgoing vehicles are subjected to thorough checks, and pedestrians must undergo frisking at these checkpoints. Night-domination exercises are also regularly conducted in sensitive locations throughout the district,” added SP Shwetank Mishra.
The increased security measures aim to mitigate potential risks and maintain a secure environment for the Republic Day celebrations. Authorities are taking every precaution to thwart any untoward incidents, ensuring that citizens can participate in the festivities with a sense of safety and security.
The United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) is an armed militants group that operates in Assam with an attempt to build an independent sovereign nation state of Assam for the indigenous Assamese people.
The Government of India banned the organisation in 1990 citing it as a terrorist organisation, while the United States Department of State lists it under “other groups of concern.”
