Guwahati, Jan 26 (IANS): Tens of thousands took part in Republic Day celebrations across Assam Saturday defying rebel calls to boycott official events.

The anti-talk United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and several militant outfits asked the people to stay away from the celebrations.

But people turned out in large numbers in almost all major towns and sub-divisions to take part in the official functions.

While Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Governor J.B. Patnaik took part in the main function at Khanapara here, other cabinet ministers presided over events in various districts.

Inspector General of Police S.N. Singh told IANS that three people were arrested Saturday in Dhemaji district on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border and recovered explosives and detonators from them.

A powerful improvised explosive device placed by ULFA near the Mangaldai police station Thursday was recovered.