Abducted ONGC employee Ritul Saikia is at India-Myanmar border says Assam Chief Minister Biswa Sarma

 From Bhupen Goswami

GUWAHATI : Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today visited the residence of abducted ONGC employee Ritul Saikia at Titabor in Jorhat district and met his family members. While interacting with his parents and wife, Sarma informed that all-out effort has been made to bring back Saikia safely. MPs Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Topon Kumar Gogoi and Pallab Lochan Das and local MLA Bhaskarjyoti Baruah were present during the visit of the Chief Minister. Later talking to media persons, Chief Minister Sarma informed that as per state government sources, Ritul Saikia is at India-Myanmar border.

 He said the State government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure his safe return. Replying to a query regarding the ceasefire called by ULFA (I), Dr. Sarma termed it a positive development saying that several issues were involved in the dialogue process. He however viewed that there would be a renewed boost to peace and tranquillity in the state if dialogue process begins honouring the limitations of all. Urging Paresh Baruah to shun violence and join the path of peace, Sarma said that people of the State do not want incidents like grenade blast at Tingrai or abduction of Ritul Saikia, rather they want peace.

He informed that ULFA (I) did not call ceasefire in consultation with the government and if discussion is to be carried forward there is a need to frame certain ground rules. Further informing that ULFA (I) has called ceasefire in view of the outbreak of COVI-19 and also to give an opportunity to the new government, the Chief Minister categorically stated that government doors are always open if ULFA (I) desires to join peace process by preparing ground rules. Nevertheless, there is hope in the unilateral ceasefire announced by ULFA (I) and this must be considered in good stead, the Chief Minister observed.