6 hurt in Guwahati blast; ULFA owns up (Lead)

Guwahati, May 15 (IANS) At least six persons, including two security force personnel, were injured in a blast outside a shopping mall here on Wednesday evening, police said.The anti-talks faction of ULFA led by Paresh Baruah has claimed responsibility for the blast.The explosion took place in front of the shopping mall, Guwahati Central, located in Jonali area of the city. Guwahati Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar said the suspects must have targeted the security forces."There is a police check post here and it is evident the suspects must have targeted them," he said.All the injured were rushed to hospitals.The blast took place on a day when Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal called upon the police to devise a strategy to keep tabs on criminal elements and provide security to the city residents.
--IANS ah/pgh/prs