Criminals and arms smugglers had created a reign of terror in the area, inhabited mostly by indigenous people. They realised toll at random and kidnapped those who failed to pay or opposed them.

The local people were helpless as some gangs had established their strongholds. Smuggling in of arms was going on unabated.

This correspondent during a recent visit to the area again saw police, Rab (Rapid Action Battalion) and BDR teams in operation against terrorists.

The security forces launched special joint operations in the area and freed eight villagers kidnapped and confined in their 'camps' in Bakakura and Namapara, local people said.

The freed persons are Probat Kubi, 45 and Profulla Kubi, 35 of Chutagajni village; Amrul Chambugang, 38 and Mieal Dopu, 28, of Namapara; Mojum Ali, 30, of Dudhnai; Dilip Mrong, 34 of Bakakura; and Caption Mankin, 26 and Sudir Sengmli, 24, of Namapara village.

Many indigenous men who had fled away fearing kidnap by armed terrorists have returned home.

But five persons kidnapped by the terrorists are still missing, the local people said. They are Dinal Dalbal, 26, son of Hasan Dalbat of Bakakura village; Rupon Kubi, 23, son of Samual Mangsaer of Chuta Gajni village; Nipin Dopu, 27, son of Parimal Kubi; Walam Sangma, 32 and Bipul Kubi of Namapara village.

The villagers said the terrorists have fled to the jungles across the border.