Guwahati: An unknown group called the Islamic Security Force-Indian Mujahideen (ISF-IM) on Friday claimed responsibility for the serial blasts that killed over 70 people in Assam on Thursday.
"We, ISF-IM, take the responsibility of yesterday’s blast. We warn all of Assam and India for situation like this in future. We thank all our holy members and partners. Ameen," said an SMS message sent to the News Live television channel in Guwahati.
The SMS was received on the mobile of the channel's input desk from a Reliance connection. The cell phone was subsequently switched off and security forces traced the message to Moirabari in Central Assam's Nagaon district registered in the name of one Nazir Ahmed. Police officials are investigating the matter.
PTI reports the ISF-IM was formed in 2000 in Lower Assam's Bodo-dominated areas "to counter" the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) and NDFB militants, police sources said.
IANS reports the police have confirmed the existence of a terror outfit by this name. They said such a group was floated in 2000 in western Assam and was basically aimed at fighting Bodo militants.
In 2000, Bodo tribal militants had launched a violent campaign targeting Muslims.
The death toll in the serial bombings in Assam rose to 77 with 13 more people succumbing to their injuries, even as a dozen suspects were picked up for interrogation from various parts of the state, officials said on Friday.
"The death toll as of now is 77 with several of the injured succumbing at various hospitals across Assam," Assam Home Commissioner Subhas Das said.
Police, meanwhile, picked up about a dozen suspects for interrogation.
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