Dibrugarh: Ten workers employed at the 14 number coal mine in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, were abducted by suspected militants believed to be members of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) and United Liberation Front of Asom – Independent (ULFA-I) on Sunday.
Tinsukia Superintendent of Police, Abhijit Gurav, confirmed the incident and clarified that it occurred within Arunachal Pradesh, not Assam.
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“We are awaiting confirmation on the exact number of abducted individuals and their identities,” he stated.
“Preliminary reports suggest they were working at the Finboro mine, but whether they are from Assam is unclear,” Gaurav added.
Sources claim a group of seven armed militants seized the workers and transported them in a dumper truck towards Old Longtoi, a remote location within Arunachal Pradesh. Gyan Thapa is the only confirmed name among the abducted.
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Security forces have initiated a search operation to locate the missing workers. The motive behind the abduction remains unknown.
“Tirap, Longding, and Changlang districts in Arunachal Pradesh are vulnerable to insurgent activities due to their proximity to the Myanmar border,” said a police source.
“Militant groups, including ULFA-I, often utilize Myanmar camps as safe havens. They exploit jungle routes for easy escape after carrying out attacks.”
“Unfortunately, this is not the first abduction incident in Changlang. Similar events have occurred previously,” the source added.