Jorhat (Assam): ULFA (United Liberation front of Assom) militants exploded an improvised explosive device (IED) near Indian Air Force (IAF) base in Jorhat district damaging an unused signal tower, even as security measures across the State were beefed up in view of the outfit's proscribed 'protest day' today (Nov 26, 2004).

Jorhat superintendent of police, Surendra Kumar said that the IED was exploded near the boundary wall of the IAF station in Jorhat town and caused an unused signal tower to fall down. No one was injured in the blast.

The base housing the 10th and 5th wings of the IAF was located near the Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) about 1 km inside the NH-37, Kumar said.

The Indian Air Force has sounded a high alert and intensified patrolling around the camp.

Police has launched massive search operations for the attackers and rounded up 10 persons so far.

Yesterday (Nov 25, 2004) the ULFA militants lobbed a grenade at Dhakuakhana police station in Lakhimpur district, damaged a pipeline in Tinsukia district and critically injured four persons in a grenade explosion at a busy area in Dibrugarh district.

Official sources said additional forces have been deployed in the vital installations and patrolling has been intensified in the vulnerable areas, bridges, national highways to prevent subversive activities.