12 Hours On, No Trace of 2 Workers Abducted from Illegal Timber Camp in Arunachal

The militants reportedly attacked the illegal timber operation camp, setting it on fire and causing widespread destruction.

Even after more than 12 hours since the abduction of two workers from an illegal timber operation camp at Longvi village, located near the Indo-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district, investigators are still working to trace their whereabouts.
As per inputs, extortion may be the primary motive behind the abduction. Security forces have indicated that the needle of suspicion points towards the NSCN(K-YA), a militant outfit actively operating in the region.

The militants reportedly attacked the illegal timber operation camp, setting it on fire and causing widespread destruction. Among the equipment destroyed were a JCB and an excavator, both used by timber mafias in their illegal activities.

This incident has once again shed light on the rampant illegal timber trade in eastern Arunachal Pradesh. Militants often exploit these operations for extortion and so-called taxes. Sunday’s attack and the subsequent abduction of the two workers are believed to be linked to such extortion activities.

It is noteworthy that the NSCN(K-YA) has previously targeted businessmen, tea garden owners, wine shop operators, and timber smugglers in the region for extortion. Northeast Live had earlier exposed the militant outfit’s extortion network, highlighting the threats posed to those involved in various businesses in the area.

The illegal timber trade remains a significant challenge in Arunachal Pradesh, with militant outfits frequently taking advantage of the lack of regulation to demand hefty sums from those involved.

Investigation and search operations are underway, with security forces actively working to rescue the abducted workers and curb militant activities in the area.

Also Read: Sikkim, Arunachal Among Top 3 Highest Per Capita Consumer Spending States in 2023-24

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