In Assam, the North-East Frontier Railway, NEFR, has suspended running of all passenger trains during night hours with effect from six in the evening of 14th August to five in the morning of 17th August in the entire state due to security reasons. According to an N.F.Railway press release, services of 52 trains have either been cancelled, short-terminated, rescheduled or regulated during this period. The step has been taken to ensure safety of the passengers apprehending targets of the militants in the run up to the Independence Day celebrations. Five militant groups of the North-East, including ULFA and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), have called for a 17-hour general strike from the mid-night of 14th August boycotting the Independence Day celebrations in the region. Meanwhile, police recovered a powerful bomb planted on the railway track at Khairabari in Darang district on Thursday. It was later defused by the bomb disposal team. Another bomb was recovered by the security forces at Goal Para. Security has been placed on high alert across the state in view of the militants’ general strike during the Independence Day celebrations. The administration has banned pillion riding in most of the places, including in the Guwahati city. Number of security check points has also been increased. Besides, a strict vigil has been maintained on the movement of suspected miscreants and anti-social elements.