Guwahati, Aug 12 (IANS) Militant outfits from the northeast region Tuesday called for a 12-hour boycott of the Independence Day celebrations.

A statement issued by the outfits appealed to the people to keep away from the celebrations organised by the respective state governments.

The outfits are CorCom (the coordination committee of major outfits in Manipur), the Hynnewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) of Meghalaya, the Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT).

"A general strike will be observed from 1 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. in the entire region," the statement said.

Essential services like emergency measures, media and religious activities are exempted from the strike.