I-day celebrated in NE, Blasts in Assam  

Guwahati, Aug 15: Despite tight security across the state as ‘general strike” and boycott called by four north east militant groups, suspected ULFA militants today carried out serial explosions in lower Assam's Dhubri and Chirang districts in which two persons were injured. 

According to official sources, one time bomb exploded near the flag hoisting ground of the block development office at Dharamshala, under Dhubri police station, around 8:40 am ahead of the official celebrations scheduled at 9 am. Two persons were injured in the blast. 

Another bomb tied atop a mango tree just behind the Guaripur parade ground in the district exploded at 8:48 am delaying the official programme by ten minutes to start at 9:10 am. 

However, there was no casualty, the sources said. 

Meanwhile, another bomb, an RDX was exploded about 120 m away from the parade ground in Kajalgaon at Chirang district at 8:25 am. There was no casualty or injury and the official programme took place on time, the sources added. 

Following the blasts, security has been beefed up further across the state. 

Meanwhile, I-day is celebrated in the NE region despite boycott called by four north east militant groups. 

"It is heartening to see people attending Independence Day functions despite calls by some militant groups to boycott the celebrations," said Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi while hoisting the tricolour. 

"Violence is not an answer to any of the problems. We once again appeal to groups like ULFA to come for peace talks," Gogoi said. 

Independence Day was celebrated in Manipur amid tight security deployment in view of the boycott call given by a major insurgent organisation in the state. 

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh hoisted the tricolour at the First Manipur Rifles Battalion ground in Imphal. 

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister appealed to all the militant organisations in the state to lay down arms and join the mainstream by participating in development programmes implemented by the government. 

He also stressed the need for peace as without it development programmes could not be implemented successfully. 

The celebrations were held amid heavy deployment of forces in view of the boycott call given by Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF) which has been fighting for an "independent" state since four decades. 

"There is an open defiance to the boycott call in Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya and Manipur. People are coming in large numbers to participate in the celebrations," an official said. 

Chief ministers of Meghalaya and Tripura appealed to rebel groups to come for peace talks with the government.