Message behind the Assam blasts.

Patricia Mukhim THE 7 April blasts in Assam,the second within a space of 10 days, are attention-seeking gimmicks. That such gimmicks result in loss of human lives does not seem to bother either the terrorists or the state. The irony is that such blasts are not unexpected for two reasons. First, the Ulfa was preparing to commemorate its Raising Day. Second, it is election time and the Ulfais a major player here. Blasts are the only means of drawing attention to the fact that the outfit is alive and kicking. The states response is predictable. So is the public reaction. After the usual brouhaha, things slip back to normal until the next blast. The only difference is that this time a high-level delegation from the Union home ministry headed by the cabinet secretary has flown in to assess the situation from a closer angle, perhaps to ensure that militants do not get a free run between now and the election dates. Blasts are a dramatic posturing by insurgents. Considering that these ruthless elements are targeting unsuspecting citizens, it is time we drop the euphemisms and simply call them terrorists. Forget their goals, since all terrorists have altruistic goals anyway. Having got the nomenclature right, it is …