Sat Jan 25 08:26:26 UTC 2025: ## Assam on High Alert After Explosives Cache Found Ahead of Republic Day

**Guwahati, Assam –** A significant cache of explosives, including 36 grenades and three detonators, was discovered in Assam’s Sonitpur district on Saturday, January 25th, 2025, prompting heightened security measures across the state for the upcoming 76th Republic Day celebrations.

The explosives, found wrapped in a polythene bag during a police search operation near Khwbra village, included one grenade with a damaged pin, currently secured under guard pending disposal by the army bomb disposal squad. Police launched the search based on intelligence regarding the secret storage of illegal arms and ammunition in the area.

In response to the discovery, security has been significantly ramped up throughout Assam. This includes increased vehicle checks, patrols, and intensified inspections of trains, railway tracks, bridges, and passenger belongings by government railway police in coordination with district police and railway forces. Waterways are also under close surveillance. Special security arrangements are in place at Republic Day celebration venues across the state.

Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya will unfurl the national flag in Guwahati on Sunday, while Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will perform the ceremony in Dibrugarh. Other ministers and officials will attend celebrations in various locations.

This heightened security comes after last year’s incident where the ULFA(I) claimed responsibility for planting bombs in 24 locations across Assam, leading to the discovery of bomb-like substances in several areas. This year, the ULFA(I) and NSCN/GPRN have called for a “total strike” from midnight to 6 pm on Sunday, urging people to boycott Republic Day celebrations.

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