About 30 Pakistani boys remained hostages on Friday after men, suspected to be Taliban militants, kidnapped them by luring them across the border to Afghanistan, Pakistani officials said.

Residents said that 45 youngsters from Mamond tribe of Bajaur Agency were kidnapped after they had crossed over into Afghanistan’s Kunar province by mistake.

The men initially seized around 40, but those under 12 were released and traveled back to their villages in the border region of Bajur. It was unclear why they were kidnapped.

Assistant Political Agent Tehsil of Bajaur Agency, Muhammad Jamil Khan said, The children were celebrating Eid when they accidentally crossed the border and were kidnapped by the militants. A Jirga had been also formed for holding talks with the militants.

He said, that the kidnappers had not made any demand for the release of children.

Sources said a group of armed men had taken them to an unknown place.

The kidnapped youths belonged to Terkho, Erab, Lagharai, Tanai and Chemyar Joher areas.

The sources said security personnel at the post were negligent and did not stop the picnickers from entering Afghanistan.
They said the officials on duty at the post did not notice the border crossing despite tight security in the area.