Assam abducted traders released by rebels

TURA, OCT 5: Eight traders from Assam, who were abducted last week from a village near Chokpot by ASAK militant outfit, were released on Wednesday as police operation continued in the area in South Garo Hills.

Of the nine traders who were abducted on Thursday last, one of them had managed to escape for their captivity on Saturday. All the traders are from Assam’s South Salmara – Mancachar district.

They were abducted en route to a Silkigre weekly market by the armed militant, who had been identified as members of Asak outfit led by its commander Reding T. Sangma.

“Eight of them were released today early morning. Our operations are on to apprehend the group behind the abduction”, said Anand Mishra, superintendent of police, South Garo Hills.

The SP has been leading the operations for the rescue of the nine traders ever since the abduction took place along with SWAT and SF-10 commandoes combing the jungles near Chokpot.-From Our Correspondent