LAEF claim responsibilty of abducting "timber smugglers"

Shillong, Feb 19 (UNI) A few suspected militants of the Liberation of A'chik Elite Force (LAEF) have claimed responsibility of abducting two ''timber smugglers'' from Meghalaya's East Garo Hills district.

The outfit's publicity secretary Chingkam Marak said the duo were picked up on February seven for carrying out illegal timber trade inside Chimabangsi Apal reserve forest in East Garo Hills.

The duo revealed that they were leading a timber racket in felling timber from deep inside the reserve forest and transporting the consignment into neighbouring Asom, Mr Marak told a local daily here.

Mr Marak also accused forest officials and certain militants under cease-fire were also involved in such activities.

UNI