Tinsukia, Feb 18: At least 10 people working at the 14 number coal mine in the Finboro area of Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, were abducted by suspected NSCN and Ulfa-I cadres on Sunday.
Tinsukia Superintendent of Police Abhijit Gurav confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh.
“We are uncertain about the number of people abducted, but it has been confirmed that some individuals working in the Finboro area were taken. It is unclear whether workers from Assam were among those abducted. We hope to gain clarity on the situation soon,” said Tinsukia SP.
Sources indicate that a group of suspected militants, comprising seven members, abducted the workers at gunpoint and transported them in a dumper to Old Longtoi, a remote area in Arunachal Pradesh.
Among those abducted is one individual identified as Gyan Thapa.
Security forces have initiated a massive search operation to locate the abducted workers.
The motive behind the abduction by the militant groups remains unclear.
“Tirap, Longding, and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh are severely affected by insurgent activities due to their proximity to Myanmar. Many militants, including Ulfa-I members, have sought refuge in camps in Myanmar. After conducting operations, they easily retreat to their camps via jungle routes,” stated a police source.
He added, “This is not the first incident of abduction. Numerous abduction incidents have occurred previously in Changlang”.
