Bomb blast in Guwahati ahead of Asian sports meet

A bomb exploded in front of a mosque in the busy Machkhowa commercial area in Guwahati, killing four people hours before the opening of an international athletics meeting.

Guwahati, June 23 : A bomb exploded in front of a mosque in the busy Machkhowa commercial area in Guwahati, killing four people hours before the opening of an international athletics meeting.

The bomb was hidden among vegetable baskets near a crowded bus stand, where farmers arrive every morning to sell their produce, the police said.

The explosion took place at around 7.30 a.m.

More than 200 athletes and officials from 19 Asian countries have gathered here to participate in a grand prix organised by the Asian Athletics Association.

No athletes were hurt in the blast, which injured a dozen people.

"When we heard the blast we came out on the street. The place was filled with smoke. A tea stall owner was lying on the road. The next shopkeeper too was lying on the road. Both were injured. Four bodies were lying on the road, including that of a father and son. The son was aged about six years," said Hasinon Ahmed, an eyewitness.

Though the outfit has issued no specific threat against the Asian meet, it says such events are organised by New Delhi to reinforce its claim that Assam is an integral part of India.

ULFA had threatened to disrupt the National Games which was held in February.

ANI