Hindi-speaking migrants react after hearing the news of the killings of workers in Longshowal Tiniali village, in the Indian state of Assam, 6 Jan. 2007

Indian authorities say that suspected separatist rebels have killed at least 42 people in a string of overnight attacks in India's troubled northeastern state of Assam.

Officials say rebels fatally shot 13 migrant workers in a pre-dawn raid Saturday. They say the attack in eastern Tinsukia district is the latest of nine separate, similar attacks.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. But authorities blame the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom. The front has been fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979.

In a separate incident Saturday, police say a land mine explosion killed seven officials, including five policemen. They say the blast hit a government vehicle in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam.

Police did not immediately say who they suspect is responsible for the attack.

Separatists in Assam say New Delhi's policies exploit the region's resources and bring little benefit to local residents.

The rebels have intensified their attacks since a truce and talks with the government fell apart in late September.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.