Kidnap fallout: Coal export to Bangladesh suspended

Customs officials of the North-Eastern Circle have suspended export of coal from Meghalaya and Assam to Bangladesh to press for their demands for the immediate release of their inspector Dipak Mahanta and six exporters, abducted by the NDFB, PLF and ANVC militants.

Custom Commissioner D.D. Ingty said that the militants had set March 20 as the deadline for the payment of Rs 30 lakh for the release of the official and $1 million for the release of the coal exporters.

About 20 armed militants had entered the customs station at Ghasuapara in South Garo Hills on February 28 and abducted Mahanta along with six exporters.