Guwahati, India (BBN)– An army colonel and his driver were killed in a powerful landmine explosion in the country’s north-eastern Assam state, officials said on Monday.

The army vehicle hit the landmine near the Balipara reserve forest in Sonitpur district, about 130 miles (210 kilometers) from the state capital, Guwahati, a defense spokesman confirmed.

The spokesman also said other vehicles in the convoy were safe as they stopped immediately after the blast.

Army and police teams have since cordoned off the area and launched a hunt.

Police blame the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) for the attack.

BBN/SS/SI/AD-14July09-1:50 am (BST)