Two Keralites among 4 abducted in Assam

GUWAHATI: Suspected militants abducted four employees of a Chennai-based company engaged in seismic survey in North Cachar Hills district of Assam.

The employees – Suresh Kumar, Nitish Kumar (both from Kerala), Mahinder and Sarthak (both from Uttar Pradesh) – were abducted from their work site at Mundet Khelma area of the district on Thursday. Suresh (42) was said to be the team leader.

The company – Eagle Marketing Corporation – has been engaged in seismic survey in the district for sometime now.

According to police, a group of eight to ten militants in army fatigue came to the work site on foot and whisked away the four employees.

However, the militants let off two drivers who were present at the site.The incident came to light only on Friday after the two drivers – Dipak Rabha and Mohammad Lalson Khan – walked about 20 km and reported the matter to the Langting-based camp of the company.

Police could not ascertain the cause of the abduction but suspected that it could be related to extortion demand.

“So far, no outfit has claimed responsibility for the abduction nor has any group demanded ransom for their release,” police said.

Development activities in NC Hills have been affected for some years now due to incidents of extortion, abductions and intimidation by insurgents.

In fact, the seismic survey was delayed for several years as no companies were forthcoming to work in NC Hills.

Work on two Central projects in the district – East West Corridor road project and railway gauge conversion – has been stalled for over one year now after the insurgents unleashed a reign of terror there.