Bordumsa: In an update on the ongoing search for three abducted coal miners in Arunachal Pradesh, Changlang district Superintendent of Police (SP) Kirli Padu said continued efforts are underway to secure their safe release.
“While no rescue has been made yet, we are working tirelessly with various agencies and are confident of positive results soon,” Padu told Northeast Now.
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On Saturday, armed militants abducted three supervisors – Gyan Thapa, Chandan Narzary, and Lekhok Bora – from an illegal coal mining site in Phinbero under Manmao police station in Arunachal Pradesh. Sources claim the men were hired by coal traders from Lekhapani in Assam’s Tinsukia district.
“Multiple security agencies are actively involved,” SP Padu stated, expressing optimism. “Joint operations with Assam counterparts cover vulnerable border areas.” He emphasized their primary goal: “The safe return of the victims to their families,” he said.
Clarifying conflicting reports, SP Padu confirmed no rescue as of Monday afternoon. “We haven’t located them yet,” he said.
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Local media reports often highlight the presence of inter-state coal smuggling networks in the area, driven by lucrative profits.
The Phinbero site, located on the hilly border with Myanmar, is notorious for illegal activities like encroachment, timber trade, and coal mining. Its porous nature allows militants to exploit the thick vegetation and water bodies for hideouts.