Ultras sneak into Bangladesh with abducted customs officials

Shillong, Apr 27 (UNI) Suspected United Achick National Front (UANF) militants sneaked into Bangladesh with the two customs officials they abducted yesterday from the West Garo Hills district, police today said.

''According to our reports, the militants have taken the two officials to Bangladesh. We have been trying to find clues about them. But we cannot cross the international border to rescue them,'' West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police F D Sangma told UNI from Tura over phone.

The abductors have so far not made any contact with the customs authorities or the families of the two officials.

''The motive behind the kidnapping seems to be ransom. However, the militants have not made any contact till now. Probably they are waiting for the situation to calm down before coming up with their demands,'' said Mr Sangma.

Militants in Meghalaya, bordering the international border with Bangladesh, often sneak into that country after creating trouble.

The two customs officials, identified as Dharani Bora and Mrinal Sharma, were abducted yesterday at gunpoint from Gasupara area in the West Garo Hills district, about 400 km from here.

The incident took place at around 0530 hrs while they were on way to Dhubri in Asom from Gasupara, where they were posted.

UNI SG PL YA PC1555