In a concerning security development just ahead of the Rongali Bihu festivities, a grenade and live ammunition were recovered from Kumarpura, a village located along the India-Bhutan border in Tamulpur district, Assam. The discovery, made by security forces on April 13, 2025, has raised alarm bells in the region, particularly as the state prepares for one of its most significant cultural celebrations. The authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the matter, fearing that the presence of such weapons could be linked to larger security concerns in the area.
The grenade and ammunition were found in a remote part of the village, not far from the Indo-Bhutan border. The area, which has witnessed sporadic incidents of cross-border criminal activity in the past, remains on high alert. Security forces, including local police and paramilitary personnel, have cordoned off the area and are conducting extensive searches to ensure there are no other dangerous items in the vicinity. The discovery has added an extra layer of concern ahead of the Bihu celebrations, a time when large crowds gather in Assam to mark the beginning of the Assamese New Year.
Kumarpura, which lies near the border, has been a focal point for various security concerns over the years. The region’s proximity to Bhutan has often made it vulnerable to illegal activities, including the smuggling of arms and explosives. While the exact source of the grenade and ammunition remains unclear, authorities are exploring all possibilities, including the involvement of insurgent groups or criminal elements that may be operating in the region. The presence of such weapons so close to a highly anticipated cultural event has intensified fears that it could be a part of a broader plot to disrupt the festivities and create chaos.
Local officials and security personnel are working together to ascertain whether the grenade and ammunition were intended for use during the Bihu celebrations. Rongali Bihu, a festival that celebrates the Assamese New Year and marks the arrival of spring, attracts people from all over the state. The festival is known for its vibrant celebrations, including traditional dances, music, and feasts, making it a prime target for any groups looking to cause harm or instill fear. As a result, the authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to prevent any potential threat to public safety.
While the probe is still underway, the recovery of the grenade has prompted a series of measures to tighten security across the region. Police checkpoints have been set up along key routes leading into Tamulpur, and additional personnel have been deployed to monitor the movement of people in and around the area. Intelligence gathering has also been ramped up, with special focus on any groups or individuals that may have links to the discovery. Officials are also working closely with their counterparts in Bhutan to ensure that there is no cross-border movement of arms and explosives that could further complicate the situation.
The timing of the discovery has raised concerns about the safety of the upcoming Rongali Bihu celebrations, which typically involve large public gatherings and outdoor events. Local leaders and organizers have expressed their commitment to ensuring that the festivities go ahead as planned, but have also called for heightened vigilance in the face of potential threats. In the wake of the grenade recovery, there has been an outpouring of support from the community, with many locals expressing their confidence in the security forces to keep them safe.
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Assam, particularly in areas near the international border. While the region has made significant strides in terms of development and stability in recent years, the presence of insurgent groups and cross-border criminal activities remains a persistent threat. Authorities are acutely aware of these challenges and are constantly working to improve the security infrastructure to protect the people of Assam from any harm.
As the investigation continues, the people of Assam are hopeful that the security forces will get to the bottom of the matter quickly and ensure that the Rongali Bihu celebrations go off without incident. The timely recovery of the grenade serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to maintain peace and security in the region, especially during important cultural events that bring people together. With the heightened security measures in place, the authorities are optimistic that they will be able to prevent any potential threats and allow the people of Assam to celebrate Bihu safely.
