Guwahati: A group of 44 people claiming to be residents of Jammu and Kashmir were detained at New Tinsukia Railway Station in Assam on Monday for verification of their identity, police said.
The group had arrived on the Chandigarh Express and was stopped by local youths who suspected their “doubtful identity.” The Government Railway Police (GRP) and personnel from the Hijuguri police outpost were alerted and immediately reached the station to conduct an inquiry.
According to police, the individuals claimed they had travelled from Jammu and Kashmir on the invitation of a contractor, though none of them could clearly state the contractor’s name.
During questioning, several members of the group said they were visiting Tinsukia for the first time and had come for labour work related to tower installation, earth digging and a project extending into Arunachal Pradesh.
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One person also stated that they were supposed to continue onwards to Dibrugarh, an officer said.
Police said verification of their identities and the purpose of their travel is underway.
