3 suspects arrested over recent bombings

Police officers in India announced on 4 November 2008 that three suspected rebels have been arrested in connection with a series of bombings that occurred in Assam state last week. Authorities claim that the three men were members of the militant United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) separatist group and were involved in the operation to covertly plant the explosives at market places. The 30 October bombings reportedly killed at least 84 people and injured 300 more. Investigators told reporters that an operation to track down additional ULFA members is ongoing, and at least 12 people are being questioned in connection to the attacks. A small militant Islamic group claimed responsibility for the attacks in a text message to a local news station. Local news reports have speculated that the bombings were in retaliation for a wave of violence against Bangladeshi Muslims living in India. ULFA members and Islamic militants have assisted each other in launching attacks in the past.