Guwahati, March 28 (IANS) A high alert has been sounded across Assam ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to the state on April 7, the raising day of the banned militant outfit United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa).
Elaborate security arrangements are being drawn up for the visit of the prime minister, who will be inaugurating the year-long platinum jubilee celebrations of the Assam legislative assembly on its Foundation Day.
While there is apprehension that ULFA might try to disrupt the visit, the Assam-Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) had also declared April 7, 2012 as a black day to protest the state government’s refusal to give land rights to thousands of settlers in and around Guwahati. The group has already announced a daylong hunger strike on the day.
Assam police officials said security was being stepped in all vulnerable areas as a weakened ULFA might try to ‘make its presence felt’.
‘The outfit has weakened after most of its senior leaders joined the pro-talk faction and are bargaining for peace. However, the faction under the leadership of commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah might try to use the opportunity to make their presence felt,’ said an official.
Adequate patrolling have also been arranged along the riverine border between India and Bangladesh.
According to the official, the ULFA has lately been using petty criminals and some labourers as carriers. ‘This is a cause of concern as it is not possible for any police force to keep a vigil on every individual,’ he said.
