On May 15, 12 people including two Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) troopers were wounded in a grenade explosion in Guwahati’s Zoo Road area in Kamrup Metropolitan District of Assam, reports Nagaland Post. The wounded SSB personnel have been identified as Ramesh Lal and Amulya Lal. Hindustan Times further adds that according to Guwahati Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar, the grenade blast took place close to a security check point.
Morung Express adds that militants on motor cycle conducted the attack. United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I)’chief’ has claimed responsibility for the attack, adds Asian Age. High alert has been sounded in Guwahati following the blast and all entry and exit routes have been put under surveillance.
Separately, according to Police sources, at least 20 ULFA-I militants have surrendered since January 2019, reports News 18 on May 15. Signs of desertions had emerged following the crackdown on Northeast rebel groups by the Myanmar Army in Taga in Sagaing Region in Myanmar about three months ago. According to source, ULFA-I has been scattered and have moved closer to the Indian border.