Gogoi admits security failure, suspect killed

in the Narengi area in the early hours today after receiving information that four ULFA cadres were hiding there and gunned down one person. The others managed to escape.

8220;They challenged us with gunshots and grenades, and as it led to an exchange of fire in which one of them was killed. We believe this quartet was behind the blasts,8221; additional SP Rajen said. The police also recovered 12 grenades from the slain militant, he added. They picked up 12 persons on suspicion that they had links with the ULFA and was providing shelter to the group.

Gogoi, who rushed to Guwahati from Delhi in the morning said operations against the ULFA would be intensified. He visited the blast sites at Fancy Bazaar and Pattar quarry and the hospitals were the injured are admitted. He extended condolence to the families of the victims.

8220;I do not hesitate to admit that my government has not been able to give protection to my people,8221; he said. 8220;I condemn this ghastly act of violence where innocent people have been killed for no fault of theirs. It is not just an inhuman act, but most barbaric, senseless and meaningless,8221; a visibly disturbed Gogoi told mediapersons at Fancy Bazaar.

Meanwhile, Assam Governor Lt Gen Retd Ajai Singh described the twin blasts as 8220;stray incidents8221;.

The Unified Command Structure that coordinates counter-insurgency operations in Assam held an urgent meeting and reviewed the security scenario in the state. Union Home Ministry officials, headed by Home Secretary V K Duggal accompanied by officials from army headquarters, arrived here to review the situation.