GUWAHATI: Assam police have started investigating the incident of “miscreants” hanging flags that somewhat resembled those of the Islamic State (ISIS), atop trees at Kacharighat in Goalpara town on Wednesday morning.
Reportedly the six such flags that were dangling from atop trees in the area were first noticed by morning walkers who later reported what they saw to the police. The flags were thereafter removed by police.
“These flags do not resemble those of the ISIS. They are only pieces of black cloth where the words IS and NE were painted. Therefore there is reason to believe that it could be the handiwork of some miscreants. But we are investigating the matter in all seriousness,” Goalpara superintendent of police, Amitava Sinha told The Shillong Times on Wednesday.
Police however are vigilant as such incidents can incite violence and foment communal tension.
“There is very little police can do to stop such miscreants from doing what they did. But yes, we are vigilant and are taking measures to see that nothing untoward happens,” Sinha said.
Goalpara district in Assam shares a border with Garo Hills in Meghalaya.
“Explosives” seized
The incident comes at a time when police seized a bag containing suspected explosives (reportedly weighing around 2kg) from a bus in the Basistha area of Guwahati on Wednesday morning.
Police intercepted the bus carrying about 30 passengers from Barpeta Road at Basistha and recovered the explosive items that were believed to be hidden in the vehicle. The passengers were unaware of the items till the police informed them.
The bus was heading towards the Nine Mile area (near the Meghalaya border). The driver and the handyman, who told the media that they had no idea of the suspected explosives, are being interrogated.
Sources said that a bomb squad later arrived at the scene and carried the items with the help of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to the Khanapara playground, a few kilometres away, for inspection and necessary action.