All 12 woodcutters abducted by UPDS set free

Guwahati, June 25 (UNI) Suspected UPDS militants released the remaining eight woodcutters this afternoon after setting free four others earlier.

Police confirmed that eight woodcutters reported at Kaki police station in Nagaon district. Four others who were abducted with these eight, had been set free earlier.

Militants belonging to Karbi tribal outfit United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) had abducted 12 woodcutters from Zabrakhowa near the boundary between Karbi Anlong and Nagaon districts on Thursday evening.

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. Two more were set free at a later time, reports said.

Police suspected involvement of the UPDS, now in ceasefire with the Centre. The woodcutters had been warned by the UPDS not to venture into jungles to cut trees.

UNI XC-SG PC SHB RAI1915