News Reporter
Search Operation in Sonitpur Reveals Buried Arms Near Jungle in Batashipur
Sonitpur, Assam – In a significant breakthrough, the Sonitpur district police conducted a search operation on January 25, 2025, near Khwbra village, Batashipur, under the jurisdiction of Dhekiajuli Police Station. Acting on reliable intelligence about the secret storage of illegal arms and ammunition buried in the jungle, the police unearthed a cache of dangerous weapons.
The recovered items, wrapped in a polythene bag and seized as per standard procedures, included:
- Five (5) hand grenades (model 36)
- Three (3) detonators
One of the grenades had a damaged pin/lever, prompting authorities to secure it in a guarded area. The Army's Bomb Disposal (BD) squad has been contacted to safely dispose of the device at the earliest.
Enhanced Security Measures for Republic Day
In light of the recovery, Assam Police has heightened security measures across the state to ensure peaceful Republic Day celebrations. The following steps are being implemented:
- Increased Vehicle Checks and Patrolling: Intensive vehicle inspections and patrolling are being conducted across sensitive areas.
- Railway Security: Government Railway Police, in coordination with district police and the Railway Protection Force, is conducting rigorous checks on trains, tracks, bridges, and passenger belongings.
- Waterway Surveillance: Vigilance has been intensified on Assam’s waterways, including in Guwahati.
- Celebration Arrangements: Special security arrangements have been made at Republic Day venues.
Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya will hoist the national flag in Guwahati, while Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is scheduled to lead celebrations in Dibrugarh. Other ministers and officials will participate in ceremonies across the state.
Background and Threats
Last year, the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA-I) claimed responsibility for planting explosives at multiple locations in Assam ahead of Independence Day, causing alarm. This year, ULFA(I) and NSCN/GPRN have jointly called for a “total strike” from midnight to 6 PM on Republic Day, urging citizens in Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh to boycott celebrations.
Authorities are on high alert, and Assam Police has assured the public that all necessary measures are in place to prevent disruptions.