Tura, July 13: A driver of a private vehicle was abducted today, while he was on his way to Dalu from Tura in West Garo Hills.
He was accompanied by Faruk Hussain of Dhubri, when a group of suspected militants stopped their vehicle in between Baromile and Kherapara, near Dalu, along India-Bangladesh border in West Garo Hills.
The spot is located about 28 km from Tura.
Superintendent of police, West Garo Hills Mukesh Singh said, “The militants stopped their vehicle and abducted the driver. The trader was allowed to go”.
Soon after the incident, Hussain returned to Dhubri. “We have got in touch with him. He will file the FIR tomorrow. Police has launched its search operation in the area”.
The incident took place at around 8 am this morning. The driver has been identified as Ansar Ali, 35 of Bidyapara in Dhubri.
Singh said, “Abductors came in black alto car and on bike.
At least, 10 abductions have taken place along Tura – Dalu route in the last two weeks, which include a teacher and rest all traders.
On June 29, a trader Tapan Saha was kidnapped from Baromile, while he was on his way to Dalu from Tura. He was released by the abductors on July 5.
On June 30, a school teacher Utpal Dey was abducted by A’chik Songna An’pachakgipa Kotok (ASAK) rebels from Karongre, while he was on his way to Dalu from Tura along with two others in an auto rickshaw. He was rescued unharmed by police on July 1.
On July 5, a trader from Mankachar was abducted from Dalu.
From January to June 2014, 98 people were abducted for ransom, which included government employees, businessmen, teachers, traders and women in Garo hills. In May alone, 15 abductions took place in different parts of Garo hills. In June –July at least 30 people were abducted.
“Figure points out that law and order situation has totally collapsed in Garo hills. Such a large number of abduction cases has not been reported from anywhere in the country”, said an intelligence officer, who did not wish to be quoted.
“Most of the people were abducted for financial gain. Some of the family members informed police, but some negotiated with the kidnappers for safe release of their loved one”, he added.
Traders from neighbouring Mankachar recently held a meeting to demand adequate security and safety. Most of the traders in remote Garo hills villages are from neighbouring Mankachar. (SP News)
