Guwahati, Dec 2 (IANS) Separatists Friday blew up a major installation of India’s premier oil exploration firm Oil India Limited (OIL) in Assam, triggering a massive fire leaping up to more than 100 metres.
The blast took place at the oil collection station (OCS) at Tipling, close to the OIL headquarters at Duliajan in Dibrugarh district, about 550 km east of Guwahati, officials said.
The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has claimed responsibility for the attack.
‘We claim responsibility for the explosion. The attack is part of our campaign to strike at vital installations as we believe the Indian government is exploiting our natural resources,’ a rebel statement received by IANS read.
Witnesses and OIL officials said the fire was visible from a distance of about five km and was leaping up to 100 metres.
‘More than 15 fire tenders were trying to douse the flames,’ an OIL official said.
There were no immediate reports of any casualties.
‘We can estimate the extent of damage only after the fire is doused. Also we don’t know the reason for the fire yet,’ the OIL official said.
