ULFA blows up ONGC pipeline in Assam

ULFA blows up ONGC pipeline in Assam
AGENCIES

GUWAHATI, JANUARY 2: Seven persons have been picked up for interrogation today after militants of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) blew up the Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) pipeline in upper Assam's Sibsagar district late Saturday night causing a minor fire and some oil spill.

According to Sibsagar Deputy Commissioner L N Tamuly, oil supply through the line was restored in the evening. The total monetary loss suffered by ONGC due to the blast has been estimated to be around Rs. five lakh.

The militants set off the bomb near Disang river bridge ripping apart 20-ft of the pipeline causing fire and spillage of crude in an area of about 4,500 square feet, Tamuly said. The oil movement was stopped immediately by ONGC after the blaze and the spillage, he said. The fire raged for an hour before fire tenders rushed to the spot and doused it, the DC said, adding no harm was done to the area, an isolated spot with no villages nearby.

The blast was reported on the systems of ONGC following whichprompt action was taken by the police and security forces, he said. The explosion followed a recent announcement by outlawed ULFA to carry out subversive activities this month, Tamuly said. The blast was reported on ONGC systems following which prompt action was taken by police and security forces, he said.

Tamuly said as the line belonged to Central Trunk Firm (CTF), which had no connection with supply of oil to the refineries, normal activities of ONGC were not affected. According to ONGC sources, an estimated 150 ton crude oil was damaged in the explosion. The repairing works had been completed and pumping of crude oil would be resumed by Monday.