'Arms were brought into India by boat'

Intelligence sources have corroborated reports of arms and ammunition being transported from Bangladesh to India in boats, in the aftermath of clashes in Assam.

Intelligence sources have corroborated reports of arms and ammunition being transported from Bangladesh to India in boats, in the aftermath of clashes in Assam.

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"We have received reports that before July 20, three boats carrying guns, ammunition and explosives had crossed over from Bangladesh. Eyewitness accounts have confirmed this," an intelligence official said.

Corroborating the information, Mrinal Hazarika, a pro-talks Ulfa leader, said, "We also received similar information from our sources. This activity was noticed somewhere near Bilasipara (in Dhubri)."

Similar reports emerged from three nearby villages - Aryajhar, Salcojhar and Bahalpur.

Meanwhile, stray incidents of violence and arson occurred in Bodoland and nearby areas of Assam on Thursday, sparking fears of the region falling into chaos yet again.

"It would be wrong to say that the situation has become normal in Assam. There is apprehension that violence may erupt again after Ramzan on Monday," a central official said in Delhi.

The intelligence official voiced similar concerns.

"We must remember that there are 16 fundamentalist outfits lying dormant in the state right now. They are adopting a wait-and-watch posture, refraining from engaging security forces for now," he said.