A month after abduction, ONGC employee released by ULFA-I

After over one month, abducted ONGC employee Ritul Gogoi was released by United Liberation Front of Asom - Independent (ULFA-I).

Saikia along with two others were abducted on April 21. Police had earlier secured release of two employees. Saikia was taken to the outfit's camp in Myanmar.

Assam chief Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that as a willingness to create a conducive atmosphere for peace talks with the government, ULFA-I must release Saikia.


Sarma tweeted, “Heartily welcome release of Ritul Saikia, ONGC employee abducted by ULFA, early today! Grateful to Hon'ble UHM@AmitShahfor constant guidance. Hope an era of peace & development is firmly established in the state with cooperation of one and all. Pray to Almighty for His Blessings.”

ULFA had released Saikia in Longvi village in Nagaland's Mon district. The personnel of Assam Rifles took him into custody.

The outfit had announced a three-month long ceasefire owing to COVID-19 pandemic.

Sarma while talking to media persons on Thursday said, “if ULFA shows willingness I am sure Prime minister Narendra Modi and Home minister Amit Shah will reciprocate. If talks are to be held it has to be with the outfit and government of India.”

Sarma had said ULFA leader Paresh Baruah must release Saikia. This will be necessary to create an atmosphere. Presently ULFA has declared ceasefire owing to COVID-19, we need to talk about the ground rules. See one thing is sure this issue cannot be solved though police and military and has to be resolved politically. If ULFA is willing to come to talks, the government of India will reciprocate.

He said that declaration of ceasefire is a preliminary intent however there is need to fortify this intent.