Blasts: Patil to visit N-E today

Condemning the blasts as 8216;8216;inhuman and dastardly,8217;8217; Patil assured the Nagaland government of all possible help, including intelligence inputs to track down those responsible for the blasts.

What added to the Ministry8217;s concern was another blast in Assam, almost at the same time, in Chirang district of the state along the Indo-Bhutan border. Sixteen persons were killed. Patil briefed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about both the blasts.

The Home Minister 8212; in what will be his first visit to the state after assuming office 8212; is likely to be accompanied by Centre8217;s interlocutor in the Naga peace process K. Padmanabhaiah. He is also likely to visit Assam.

Home Ministry sources said, though no militant outfit had claimed responsibility for the blasts, it seemed like the handiwork of ULFA. They ruled out the involvement of NSCN since the modus operandi did not fit their style of functioning. 8216;8216;They are not known to target civilians. Also, Dimapur is a NSCN stronghold and it8217;s unlikely they will target the town.8221;