2004 Dhemaji School Bombing
School Bombing Terror Attack
CLASSIFICATION: Terrorism
LOCATION
Dhemaji, Assam, India
TIME PERIOD
August 15, 2004
VICTIMS
18 confirmed
On 15 August 2004, a terrorist bombing occurred at Dhemaji College in Assam, India, during an Independence Day parade, resulting in the deaths of 18 individuals, primarily schoolchildren aged 12 to 14 and their mothers, with an additional 40 people injured. The attack was attributed to the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), a banned militant group that had called for a boycott of the event, although they denied responsibility. The bomb, which was detonated remotely, was planted near the college gate and exploded as students and teachers were passing through. Following the incident, local unrest ensued, leading to the suspension of key police officials for negligence, and the Chief Minister of Assam condemned the attack, declaring 16 August as a Mourning Day and announcing compensation for the victims. The investigation remains ongoing, with heightened security measures implemented in the region.
The United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) is widely believed to be responsible for the bombing, as they had called for a boycott of the Independence Day event, despite their denial of involvement. Some speculate that the attack was intended to instill fear and disrupt celebrations, targeting vulnerable groups like schoolchildren and their mothers. Additionally, there is community frustration directed at local police for their perceived negligence in ensuring security during the event, leading to public unrest and calls for accountability.
The 2004 Dhemaji School Bombing: A Day of Tragedy
The Attack
On what should have been a day of national pride and celebration, the 15th of August 2004 turned into a nightmare for the small town of Dhemaji in Assam, India. It was Indian Independence Day, and the citizens of Dhemaji had gathered at the local college ground for a parade—a scene filled with excited schoolchildren, their proud mothers, and dedicated teachers. At precisely 09:30 AM, as the morning sun cast its light over the parade, a sudden explosion shattered the peace. A bomb, planted near the college gate and triggered remotely, detonated with devastating force. The carnage left 18 people dead, most of them innocent schoolchildren aged between 12 and 14, along with their mothers. Additionally, 40 others were injured in the blast, their lives forever scarred by the events of that fateful day.
The Investigation
In the immediate aftermath, the situation was chaotic. The police quickly pointed fingers at the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), a banned militant group known for its separatist agenda. ULFA had called for a boycott of the Independence Day celebrations, making them the prime suspects. Despite the accusations, ULFA initially denied any involvement in the bombing. The police, however, remained firm in their belief that ULFA was responsible, citing the method of attack and the timing as consistent with the group's modus operandi.
The Aftermath
The community's grief swiftly turned to anger. The local populace, outraged by what they perceived as a failure of the authorities to protect them, lashed out at police vehicles at the scene. The situation escalated, forcing the police to use batons and tear gas to regain control. In the wake of the disaster, accountability was demanded. The Superintendent of Police, T. Thangneo, along with the Additional Superintendent of Police, Abu Sufian, faced suspension due to alleged negligence. The Deputy Commissioner was transferred, a move seen as a consequence of the security lapses that had allowed the bombing to occur.
Public Reaction
The wounded were rushed to Dhemaji Civil Hospital, with ten critically injured individuals transported to Dibrugarh Civil Hospital for further treatment. Assam's Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, publicly condemned the attack, describing it as "most barbaric, inhuman and pathetic." In a gesture of remembrance, he declared that August 16 would henceforth be observed annually as Mourning Day to honor the victims. The government offered financial compensation, announcing Rs 300,000 for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured.
The Dhemaji and Lakhimpur units of the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) called for a 12-hour bandh on August 16, 2004, as a form of protest against the bombing. They went further, demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister. The Assam State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) also expressed its condemnation, organizing a protest rally in Guwahati on August 17 and calling for a 12-hour Assam bandh on August 18.
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act
In the wake of the bombing, the issue of security in the region came to the fore. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi stood by the need for the Armed Forces Special Powers Act to remain in force in disturbed areas, citing the increasing activities of rebel groups as justification.
ULFA's Admission
In a twist that added a new layer to this tragic story, the day after the bombing, on August 16, 2004, ULFA's chairman, Arabinda Rajkhowa, issued a statement. He accused the "Indian Occupation Force" of using schoolchildren as human shields, attempting to shift blame onto the authorities. It wasn't until five years later, on December 13, 2009, that Paresh Barua, the group's Commander-in-Chief, issued a public apology. In an email, he claimed ULFA's leadership had been misled by junior members about the attack, which had led to their initial denials of responsibility.
Sources
For further details, refer to the original sources:
- Bombs kills many at Indian parade. BBC News. 15 August 2004
- Talukdar, Sushanta. "16 killed, 40 injured in Assam blast." The Hindu. 16 August 2004
- "17 killed in Assam blast, Dhemaji SP suspended." Rediff News. 15 August 2004
- Rahman, Isfaqur. "Killing of School Kids in Assam." People's Democracy. 22 August 2004
- "ULFA apologises for 2004 I-Day parade ground bombing." City Bengaluru. 13 December 2009
For more information, visit the Wikipedia page.
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Dhemaji School Bombing
A bomb exploded during Independence Day celebrations, killing 18 and injuring many others.
Police Blame ULFA
Police attributed the bombing to the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), which denied responsibility.
ULFA Statement
ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa claimed the bombing was a result of the Indian forces using children as shields.
Protests Erupt
Local groups called for a bandh in protest of the bombing and demanded the resignation of the chief minister.
Government Response
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi condemned the attack and announced financial compensation for victims' families.
Police Suspensions
The Superintendent of Police and Additional Superintendent of Police were suspended for negligence.
ULFA Apology
ULFA's C-in-C Paresh Barua sought public apology for the bombing, claiming leadership was misled.
On 15 August 2004, a terrorist bombing occurred at Dhemaji College in Assam, India, during an Independence Day parade, resulting in the deaths of 18 individuals, primarily schoolchildren aged 12 to 14 and their mothers, with an additional 40 people injured. The attack was attributed to the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), a banned militant group that had called for a boycott of the event, although they denied responsibility. The bomb, which was detonated remotely, was planted near the college gate and exploded as students and teachers were passing through. Following the incident, local unrest ensued, leading to the suspension of key police officials for negligence, and the Chief Minister of Assam condemned the attack, declaring 16 August as a Mourning Day and announcing compensation for the victims. The investigation remains ongoing, with heightened security measures implemented in the region.
The United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) is widely believed to be responsible for the bombing, as they had called for a boycott of the Independence Day event, despite their denial of involvement. Some speculate that the attack was intended to instill fear and disrupt celebrations, targeting vulnerable groups like schoolchildren and their mothers. Additionally, there is community frustration directed at local police for their perceived negligence in ensuring security during the event, leading to public unrest and calls for accountability.
The 2004 Dhemaji School Bombing: A Day of Tragedy
The Attack
On what should have been a day of national pride and celebration, the 15th of August 2004 turned into a nightmare for the small town of Dhemaji in Assam, India. It was Indian Independence Day, and the citizens of Dhemaji had gathered at the local college ground for a parade—a scene filled with excited schoolchildren, their proud mothers, and dedicated teachers. At precisely 09:30 AM, as the morning sun cast its light over the parade, a sudden explosion shattered the peace. A bomb, planted near the college gate and triggered remotely, detonated with devastating force. The carnage left 18 people dead, most of them innocent schoolchildren aged between 12 and 14, along with their mothers. Additionally, 40 others were injured in the blast, their lives forever scarred by the events of that fateful day.
The Investigation
In the immediate aftermath, the situation was chaotic. The police quickly pointed fingers at the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), a banned militant group known for its separatist agenda. ULFA had called for a boycott of the Independence Day celebrations, making them the prime suspects. Despite the accusations, ULFA initially denied any involvement in the bombing. The police, however, remained firm in their belief that ULFA was responsible, citing the method of attack and the timing as consistent with the group's modus operandi.
The Aftermath
The community's grief swiftly turned to anger. The local populace, outraged by what they perceived as a failure of the authorities to protect them, lashed out at police vehicles at the scene. The situation escalated, forcing the police to use batons and tear gas to regain control. In the wake of the disaster, accountability was demanded. The Superintendent of Police, T. Thangneo, along with the Additional Superintendent of Police, Abu Sufian, faced suspension due to alleged negligence. The Deputy Commissioner was transferred, a move seen as a consequence of the security lapses that had allowed the bombing to occur.
Public Reaction
The wounded were rushed to Dhemaji Civil Hospital, with ten critically injured individuals transported to Dibrugarh Civil Hospital for further treatment. Assam's Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, publicly condemned the attack, describing it as "most barbaric, inhuman and pathetic." In a gesture of remembrance, he declared that August 16 would henceforth be observed annually as Mourning Day to honor the victims. The government offered financial compensation, announcing Rs 300,000 for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured.
The Dhemaji and Lakhimpur units of the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) called for a 12-hour bandh on August 16, 2004, as a form of protest against the bombing. They went further, demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister. The Assam State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) also expressed its condemnation, organizing a protest rally in Guwahati on August 17 and calling for a 12-hour Assam bandh on August 18.
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act
In the wake of the bombing, the issue of security in the region came to the fore. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi stood by the need for the Armed Forces Special Powers Act to remain in force in disturbed areas, citing the increasing activities of rebel groups as justification.
ULFA's Admission
In a twist that added a new layer to this tragic story, the day after the bombing, on August 16, 2004, ULFA's chairman, Arabinda Rajkhowa, issued a statement. He accused the "Indian Occupation Force" of using schoolchildren as human shields, attempting to shift blame onto the authorities. It wasn't until five years later, on December 13, 2009, that Paresh Barua, the group's Commander-in-Chief, issued a public apology. In an email, he claimed ULFA's leadership had been misled by junior members about the attack, which had led to their initial denials of responsibility.
Sources
For further details, refer to the original sources:
- Bombs kills many at Indian parade. BBC News. 15 August 2004
- Talukdar, Sushanta. "16 killed, 40 injured in Assam blast." The Hindu. 16 August 2004
- "17 killed in Assam blast, Dhemaji SP suspended." Rediff News. 15 August 2004
- Rahman, Isfaqur. "Killing of School Kids in Assam." People's Democracy. 22 August 2004
- "ULFA apologises for 2004 I-Day parade ground bombing." City Bengaluru. 13 December 2009
For more information, visit the Wikipedia page.
No Recent News
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No Evidence Submitted
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Dhemaji School Bombing
A bomb exploded during Independence Day celebrations, killing 18 and injuring many others.
Police Blame ULFA
Police attributed the bombing to the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), which denied responsibility.
ULFA Statement
ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa claimed the bombing was a result of the Indian forces using children as shields.
Protests Erupt
Local groups called for a bandh in protest of the bombing and demanded the resignation of the chief minister.
Government Response
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi condemned the attack and announced financial compensation for victims' families.
Police Suspensions
The Superintendent of Police and Additional Superintendent of Police were suspended for negligence.
ULFA Apology
ULFA's C-in-C Paresh Barua sought public apology for the bombing, claiming leadership was misled.