12 woodcutters abducted in Asom

Guwahati, Jun 25 (UNI) Militants belonging to Karbi tribal outfit, United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) abducted 12 woodcutters from Zabrakhowa near the boundary between Karbi Anlong and Nagaon district on Thursday.

Police informed that the woodcutters had gone there to collect firewood from the jungle when they were abducted by the ultras. Two of the woodcutters were sent back, while the ten others were taken into custody by the ultras.

Police suspected hands of the UPDS, now in ceasefire with teh Centre. The woodcutters had been warned by the UPDS not to venture into jungles to cut trees. Police were putting up pressure on the militant group to release the woodcutters.

UNI XC SJC/src1517