Search on for kidnapped footballers in Balochistan's Dera Bugti
Pakistan
Security forces find no clue about whereabouts of kidnappers
QUETTA (Web Desk) - The search operation was underway on third consecutive day on Tuesday for the footballers kidnapped a few days ago from Sui tehsil of Dera Bugti district.
Security forces had found no clue to the six kidnapped footballers.
No group has claimed responsibility for kidnapping of the footballers as yet. No one from kidnappers has contacted the families of the hostages.
Around two dozen players were heading to Sibi to participate in the qualifying round of the All Pakistan Chief Minister Gold Cup Football Tournament when some men armed with weapons stopped their vehicle in the Jani Pedi area and took them away at gunpoint. The kidnappers later released 18 players.
The six hostages hailing from Sui and Dera Bugti areas have not been released by kidnappers so far.
Interim Interior Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Balochistan Home Minister Zubair Ahmed Jamali on Saturday had ordered a search operation to rescue the footballers.
A senior official said security forces had continued search operation in suspected areas on Monday. However, he added, they had found no clue to the young players, aged between 17 and 20 years, so far.
Zakir Hussain, the father of 20-year-old footballer Aamir Hussain said they had received no information regarding the whereabouts of his son. He said he was very much worried about his safety, as the entire family was distributed.
Media reports said about a protest demonstration was staged by the families of the players against the abduction, to press the relevant authorities for their immediate and safe recovery.
Officials said security forces were searching areas along Sindh and Punjab borders, as all-out efforts were being made to get the abducted players freed.
The interior minister believed that abductors belonged to the Baloch Republican Army.
Sarfraz Bugti said it was very serious thing that six kids were in custody of terrorists. He added that culprits would face dire consequences of their action.
