Search on for six abducted tribal persons

Agartala, Sep 7 (UNI) Search is still continuing to rescue the six tribal persons allegedly abducted by the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) militants from Teliamura sub-division in West Tripura on September 4.

Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Teliamura Shankar Debarma told UNI though the combing operation, launched jointly by various security forces, continued for the third day today, no breakthrough had been attained so far.

''The joint operation, launched by the state police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Assam Rifles (AR) and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) jawans, is continuing in the deep forest areas of the Baramura Hill Ranges to trace out the kidnapped. All the four approach directions to the Baramura Hill Range have been cordoned off to prevent the militants from fleeing with the captives,'' Mr Debarma said.

Among the six tribal persons kidnapped, two were Kakborak (local tribal language) teachers and one homeguard personnel. The rest were common villagers. Police said the reason behind the abduction was to collect subscriptions as the militant organisation was facing severe financial crisis.

Meanwhile, the ruling CPI(M) had condemned the kidnapping of the six tribals. A statement, issued by the party, claimed the kidnappers did not want the development of the tribal people.

UNI PD-PB SJC PA DS1450