Blasts kill 12 in India

GUWAHATI—At least 12 people were killed and more than 40 wounded when outlawed United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) triggered two blasts in Assam’s main city Guwahati Sunday evening, police said.
The first explosion took place in Fancy Bazaar in the heart of the city at 6.45 p.m., killing three people on the spot while five more succumbed to their injuries on way to hospital, Assam Police chief Dipak Narayan Dutt said. The blast left at least a dozen shoppers and traders injured.The blasts follow the killing of three hardcore ULFA rebels by the police in eastern Assam Friday.
About 15 minutes later, another blast took place at Pathar Kuwari locality on the outskirts of the city. The second blast claimed four lives besides injuring a number of people.
“The explosions, in which improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were used, are the handiwork of the ULFA,” Dutt said. Of the injured, the condition of eight was critical. Doctors said the toll could mount as they were battling for their lives.
The blasts follow the killing of three hardcore ULFA rebels by the police in eastern Assam Friday.
In the past two months, the ULFA has stepped up its operations killing 10 people and injuring at least 50, after New Delhi called off its ceasefire.—Agencies