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Thu, 30th Oct 2008  At least 20 people were killed and over 50 others injured in 11 serial blasts which rocked busy areas of Guwahati and three other districts in Assam on Thursday.
Ten persons have died in Guwahati which witnessed four blasts while 10 others were killed in Kokrajhar town where three explosions occurred, police said, adding the toll is expected to rise as many of the injured were in a serious condition.
Three bombs exploded in Barpeta district and one in Bongaigaon district, they said.
A red alert had been sounded across the state following the high intensity explosions that occurred almost simultaneously at around 11.30 am triggering fires in many areas and leaving a trail of death and destruction.
Prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC have been promulgated in Guwahati following the blasts which the police suspect to be the handiwork of the banned ULFA and HUJI extremists.
The first blast in Guwahati occurred at a vegetable and fruit market at Ganeshguri near the flyover adjacent to the high security secretariat and the Assembly.
The blast caused a major fire in the area with smoke engulfing the entire market and nearby places.
The second bomb exploded in front of the Kamrup district deputy commissioner's office, injuring many and destroying several cars parked there, the sources said.
The third explosion rocked areas near the police station of the busy Fancy Bazar, triggering panic among shoppers, many of whom were injured, the sources said.
Guwahati Superintendent of Police GP Singh said that police and fire brigade were engaged in controlling the fire.
In Kokrajhar, the explosives were suspected to have been planted in a two-wheelers.  | 
