Suspected Adivasi tribal militants abducted a Hindi-speaking businessman from Western Assam business hub of Gossaingaon bordering West Bengal at around 1930 hours on Thursday.

A police source in Kokrajhar district in Western Assam informed that 52-year-old Harinder Singh was abducted by suspected tribal militants in a Maruti van from Bhadayaguri area of Gossaingaon town.

The businessman was coming out of his residence towards the petrol pump in the town.

Police has launched a manhunt besides keeping tight vigil

on all entry and exit points in the town in the wake of the abduction.

Tribal militants are very active in the western most areas of Assam bordering West Bengal. Tribal militant groups were formed in reaction to the domination of Bodo tribal militants, who had once launched violent campaign against tribal settlers of the area.

The tribal militants are not considered a major threat by the security forces, as they are not known to confront the police and security forces. However, they harass common people through their rampant extortion drives.