Guwahati, Jan 10 (IANS) A massive fire broke out at the Guwahati Refinery Tuesday night, with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) claiming responsibility.

A refinery spokesperson said the fire broke out at an effluent plant around 7 p.m. and soon spread to nearby areas.

"The fire and smoke could be seen from a distance of about two kilometers. There is panic in the area," said B. Das, a resident.

Several fire engines were pressed into service to douse the flames.

"We don't know how the fire broke out but we are confident of bringing it under control," Guwahati Refinery general manager B.P. Das told IANS by telephone.

Meanwhile, the ULFA claimed responsibility.

"We claim responsibility for the attack on the refinery. This is our protest against (the) exploitation of natural resources from Assam," the anti-talk faction of the ULFA led by the elusive self-styled commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah said in an emailed statement to IANS.

Last month, ULFA blew up an oil pumping station of the Oil India Ltd in eastern Assam.