6 killed in blast at Assam market

NALBARI: Six people, including three women, were killed and over 80 injured as a powerful bomb triggered by suspected ULFA militants ripped through a weekly market in Assam's Baksa district bordering Bhutan.

Five persons died on the spot at Kumarikata market where pigs and cows are sold, while another person succumbed to his injuries on way to Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH), officials said.

The area presented a horrific sight with blood and human flesh splattered all around while pigs, cows and poultry brought for selling in the market ran amock.

Officials said the bomb, which was tied to a cycle by the suspected ULFA militants, went off around 1.10 pm in the crowded market under Tamulpur police station.

A second bomb which did not explode was recovered from the place later by the police.

Over 30 injured were rushed to GMCH in critical condition while the rest of them were admitted to hospitals there.

Two children and 10 women were among those admitted to GMCH.

Forensic experts from Guwahati rushed to the spot to ascertain the nature of the explosive, officials said.

Four of the six victims were identified as Lily Bodo (38) Sharmila Murmu (40), Bokuli Narzary (40) and Robin Suren (45).

The area, under Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts (BTAD), has a strong presence of Bodo militants and ULFA's 709 battalion that has not joined the banned group's strike force 28 battalion in declaring unilateral ceasefire recently, sources said.