Polythene bag containing explosives recovered in Assam during Republic Day preparations

GUWAHATI: Security forces discovered a hidden cache of explosives in a forested area of Sonitpur district, Assam, on Saturday. Heightened security measures have been implemented statewide ahead of the 76th Republic Day celebrations, police said.
During a search operation, police discovered a polythene bag containing explosives, which included 36 grenades and three detonators.
"On 25/1/2025, based on a reliable information regarding the secret storage of illegal arms and ammunitions buried underground in the jungle area near Khwbra village, Batashipur under Dhekiajuli Police Station, a search operation was conducted," the Sonitpur Police said in a post on X.
"One of the grenades had damaged pin/lever. So it has been kept in a secured area under guard," it police said, adding, the bomb disposal squad of the army is being contacted to dispose the explosives.
Security measures have been intensified across Assam to facilitate peaceful Republic Day celebrations, according to police officials.
Continuous vehicle inspections and surveillance operations are in progress.
Officials stated that railway authorities are conducting thorough inspections of trains, tracks, bridges and passengers' items, working jointly with district police and railway protection force.
Waterways, including those in Guwahati, are under strict surveillance.
Enhanced security protocols are in place at Republic Day event locations, where Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya will hoist the national flag in Guwahati on Sunday.
The tricolour will be hoisted by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Dibrugarh, whilst cabinet members and senior officials will participate in celebrations at various locations.
Last year, the state police faced embarrassment when ULFA(I) claimed to have positioned explosives at 24 sites across Assam for Independence Day attacks.
Subsequently, police discovered suspicious objects resembling explosives at ten locations, including four in Guwahati.
ULFA(I) and NSCN/GPRN have announced a "total strike" from midnight until 6 pm on Sunday, requesting citizens of Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh to abstain from Republic Day festivities.