Gaurav Gogoi writes to Amit Shah to take steps for safe return of Quippo employees

GUWAHATI: Kaliabor’s Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi today moved Union home minister Amit Shah to take immediate steps secure safe release of the two Quippo Oil and Gas Infrastructure Ltd employees who have been abducted by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) (I).

In a letter to Shah, Gogoi said that the people of Assam have “widely criticised” the ULFA (I) for the abduction.

“Recently, the ULFA (I) has declared to take the ‘ultimate step’ on the two abductees … Given the sensitive nature of the matter and the potential threat to the lives of the two abductees, I urge you to take the matter into immediate consideration for appropriate action. The government should ensure the safe return of the two employees,” stated the Congress leader in the letter.

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The two employees, Pranab Kr Gogoi and Ram Kumar of Bihar, have been in ULFA (I) and NSCN’s captivity since December 21. The ULFA (I) had set a deadline of February 16 to their employer Quippo as well as Assam and Arunachal Pradesh governments to secure their release.

Claiming that Quippo authorities did not honour the negotiation process, the ULFA (I) had threatened “extreme punishment” to the two employees in the week ahead.

ALSO READ: Paresh Baruah announces suspension of 'extreme punishment' decision

The outfit, however, this evening announced its decision to shelve the “punishment” temporarily honouring the appeals from the civil society as well as the media. Announcing the decision, ULFA (I) commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah hoped the government as well as their employer Quippo would take necessary steps for further negotiation and secure the safe release of Gogoi and Kumar.

The ULFA (I) has reportedly been demanding a ransom of Rs 20 crore for the release of the two employees.