Kokrajhar, Feb. 14: Negotiations to rescue the three WWF volunteers seem to be heading nowhere even after eight days of their abduction.

The family members, WWF officials, local NGOsand civil societies have expressed concern over the wellbeing of the volunteers.

“We are concerned over the delay in rescuing them. Today is the eighth day since they were kidnapped. It is becoming a bit worrisome for all of us,” said a WWF official who is camping in Kokrajhar since the past week.

“We are praying and hoping that they are released as soon as possible,” said another official.

Nabajit Sarma, elder brother of Gautam Kishore Sarma, said the family members, especially their retired father has slipped into depression . He appealed the kidnappers to release the abducted persons on humanitarian ground.

The whereabouts of Gautam Kishore Sarma of Barigaon, Pranjal Kumar Saikia of Jalahgaon, Syed Naushad Zaman of New Amolpatty is not known even as the search operations continue.

Six WWF volunteers, including three girls, were abducted by armed men from the Laopani area in Kokrajhar district bordering Bhutan on February 6, while they were on their way to the area for field work.

The three girls were released after 48 hours. The three boys, however, remain captive with the kidnappers demanding Rs 1 crore for their release. Yesterday, civil society, NGOs, student’s organisations — including Absu — and residents of Kokrajahr carried out a candlelight rally seeking the safe and early release of the trio.