Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-in.png "Flag of India") | India |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
Bombings Kill Over 70 in Assam
| |
| Summary |
On Thursday, the northeastern Indian state of Assam fell victim to coordinated bombings that killed more than 70 civilians and injuring hundreds. Thirteen blasts struck over the course of 75 minutes in the four districts of Guwahati, Kokrajhar, Barpeta Road and Bongaigaon. Initially, fingers were pointed at the United Liberation Front of Assam, a separatist group that had conducted bombings in the state on previous occasions. However, ULFA denies any role in the terrorist actions.
| |
| Analysis |
The bombings in Assam Thursday were blamed on ULFA, who maintain they played no role in the attacks. The breakdown of diplomacy and communication reveals the true story behind the pointing of fingers so early into the investigation. The underlying reason is that there has been an decades-long identity clash between the separatists and the state. The refusal for cooperation on either side is a major point of contention, especially in light of the most recent attacks.
Experts in India called for a pause before pinning responsibility on the ULFA, as they have a history of only targeting institutions and heads of state, not random civilians. The institutions are clearly unwilling to work with ULFA, because they do not want to encourage a cause in which they do not believe; and in fact, vehemently oppose. The interactions of the groups have been adversarial and have caused a rift that may prove impossible to bridge.
Once the real culprit is determined, there is hope officials in Assam can move toward a peace with ULFA, but after an immediate assignation of guilt to the group, the world cannot be sure. | |
| Perspective |  | Identity |
| In-Region URL | ||
| Out-of-Region URL | ||
| Submitted | October 31, 2008 at 12:00 pm | |
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