Tura, June 18: Meghalaya police’s SOT and SWAT commandos led by SP of West and South – West Garo Hills led the combing operation since Monday afternoon. The operation continued day and night and is still on to nap the abductors. “We continued our operation since Monday and it is still on. Based on our inputs, we intensified our operation today morning”, said SP of West Garo Hills, Mukesh Singh.
“Five police team left from Tura today to continue its ongoing search operation. At Antekagre village, we managed to locate them. They were roughly 50 meters away. Seeing our police gypsy, they fired, we retaliated and managed to rescue Kumar”, Singh added. The initial firing lasted for 2 minutes after which the abductors fled taking advantage of the tough terrain. “The firing continued for another 10-15 minutes, but they managed to escape”, said Kumar. “The difficulty in operation was the rough terrain and inclement weather. Our operation is on. It will continue till we nap them”. However, the SP refused to divulge other operations details.
“We strongly suspect them to be militants. We have identified them. We would not like to disclose their names and the outfit”, said Singh. Police intensified its operation from 6:30 am today. Search operation were launched (walking as they had to cross rough terrain and a small stream) from Sentapara, Mandagre, Manupara, Darongre, Boldamgre, Anjengre and Jembragre village.
Kumar had joined SBI as a probationary officer in 2008. He started his career as an assistant manager at Chandmari branch in Tura. He was promoted last year and was posted to Ampati as its branch manager. He hails from Bihta in Bihar.
Assistant General Manager, SBI (Garo hills division), Nixon Joseph has congratulated Meghalaya police for rescuing their officer. More details on the operation are still awaited.
“We would like to express our gratitude to police and other officials for rescuing Kumar in shortest possible time”, said Joseph. He also appealed the militants to lay down arms and SBI will be willing to provide them self employment courses and provide them loans.
“We are working for the people of Garo hills and willing to do everything to help the people”, said Joseph.(SP News)
