TURA, Sept 9 � Two contractors � Abdul Rashid and Dipok Saha, who were kidnapped by Garo Hills-based militants suspected to be from Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) have been released.
The contractor from Rajabala, Abdul Rashid, who was taken away at gunpoint from a bridge inspection site at Haldibari over a week ago was released unharmed at Paikan tri-junction in the Meghalaya-Assam border, 100 kms from Tura on Thursday.
The other contractor, Dipok Saha, aged 45 years, who was kidnapped from Kherapara village, 27 kms from Tura, while returning home in Dalu on Tuesday night was released early this morning at a deserted road.
The GNLA militants who took him away at gunpoint released him at Paromgre tri-junction, 10 kms from Dalu shortly after 4 am Friday.
Police sources indicated that the contractor, whose elder brother exports coal to Bangladesh, may have been mistakenly picked up by the ultras.
Police sources also said that the family allegedly paid the extortion money some time ago and the contractor was promptly released.
144 CrPC: Meanwhile, the administration in the three districts of Garo Hills has promulgated Section 144 CrPC in view of the three day Garo Hills bandh called by the GNLA beginning on Monday.
The outfit had announced the shutdown demanding that the Meghalaya Assembly discuss the issue of secret killings allegedly perpetrated by ANVC which is currently on a ceasefire with the Central and State Governments.
