January 22, 2007	Monday	Muharram 02, 1428

GUWAHATI, Jan 21: At least two people were killed and seven wounded in two separate explosions on Sunday in India's insurgency-hit northeastern state of Assam, officials said.

A police spokesman said a powerful blast took place late Sunday near a crowded vegetable market in Barpeta district, about 160 kilometres from Assam's main city of Guwahati.

“A cobbler who was working nearby died on the spot with his body blown into pieces while five others were injured in the attack,” A. Ali, a senior police officer said.

One of the wounded later succumbed to injuries in hospital while another was critical, he said.

Earlier on Sunday, three people were injured in another blast near the parking lot of the main railway station in New Bongaigaon, about 210 kilometres west of Guwahati.

On Saturday, three people, including a government official, were killed and 15 injured in two explosions and a shootout in eastern Assam, which has witnessed a spurt of attacks this month.

—AFP