Rebels in Assam in protests against reported detention of their leader in Bangladesh

Separatist rebels in the north-east Indian state of Assam say they will demonstrate throughout the state to support their demand for the release of their leader, Golab Barua, from reported imprisonment in Bangladesh.

A spokesman for the outlawed United Liberation Front of Assam, ULFA, said they had also called a strike on Friday.

ULFA has appealed to the prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, not to hand over their general secretary, Golab Barua. to the Indian authorities.

Mr Barua is reported to have been arrested in Bangladesh on charges of illegal entry to the country.

He is wanted in India on charges of sedition.

The chief of the military wing of ULFA (Paresh Barua) told the BBC his group had no hostile intentions to Bangladesh but some reports say Bangladesh has tightened its security along the border with India.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service