KABUL – A local security officials in northern Baghlan province are sayingthat the efforts are underway by the Afghan forces and the governmentofficials as well as the local tribal elders for the release of Indianengineers who were abducted earlier today in this province.

Provincial police spokesman Zabiullah Shuja confirmed that the seven Indianengineers were abducted from the vicinity of Cheshma-e-Sher earlier tooday.

He said the Indian engineers were working on a project for the constructionof substation and were kidnapped by the militants as they were travellingin the area to inspect the work progress.

Shuja further added that the driver of the engineers is also missing and anoperation is underway for their release.

In the meantime, provincial governor, Abdul Nemati said the security forcesand the local officials are busy tracking the missing engineers and theirdriver.

He said apart from the security forces and the government officials, thelocal tribal elders have also stepped up efforts for the release of themissing people.

Nemati assured that the missing Indian engineers and their driver will bereleased soon.

The anti-government armed militant groups including Taliban militants havenot commented regarding the report so far.