Assam: ULFA(I) says it released 3 kidnapped ONGC employees in Nagaland, suspects third employee’s “killing” in Army firing

After the rescue of two ONGC employees out of the three, who were kidnapped by the ULFA (I), the outfit claimed the third employee may have been killed either in Army firing or the Army-police are ‘hiding’ him.

ULFA(I) militants on April 21 night kidnapped three ONGC employees from its Lakwa oilfield in Assam’s Sivasagar district along the Assam-Nagaland border.

Taking responsibility of the kidnapping of three ONGC employees, the ULFA(I) in a statement on Saturday said: “On April 20, 2021 night, the ULFA(I) and NSCN had taken three ONGC officials – Mohini Mohan Gogoi, Alakesh Saikia and Ritul Saikia – in their custody. After that, encounters took place from 10 at night to 2.30 am last night between ULFA and more than 500 armed forces personnel led by Indian Army’s 73^rd Brigade, 35 Assam Rifles and Nagaland Police in effort by ONGC to get them released.”

Also read: Assam: Two ONGC staffers kidnapped by ULFA (I) rescued from Nagaland’s Mon district

“As a result, our cadres, keeping in view of the safety of the lives of the three ONGC officials, left them in a health status among the people of Tokok Singkhu village under Nagaland’s Mon district and proceeded towards our destination,” the ULFA statement issued by publicity wing member Captain Rumel Asom said.

The outfit claimed, “Even after being aware of the facts, in order to downplay the image of ULFA(I) in the eyes of the public, the joint armed forces opened fire in the area after some time.”

Also read: Days after ULFA (I) kidnaps 3 employees, Assam govt asks police to step up security at OIL, ONGC sites

Referring to media reports over the rescue of two ONGC employees, the ULFA(I) said: “Although the armed forces and Nagaland Police rescued ONGC officials Mohini Mohan Gogoi and Alakesh Saikia as per media reports, the Indian Army has not revealed any information regarding Ritul Saikia.”

Also read: 5 ULFA(I) militants under command of Ganesh Lahon kidnapped ONGC’s 3 employees, confirms Assam Police  

“Therefore, we suspect that Ritul Saikia has either been killed in Indian Army firing or the Army-police are hiding him intentionally,” the ULFA(I) statement said.

Holding the ONGC responsible for the incident, ULFA(I) said: “For this unfortunate incident, the ULFA(I) and NSCN are not responsible. We inform the ONGC authority that for the whole incident, the ONGC, an outsider multinational company, is responsible. So, the company should get prepared for serious consequences in future.”

However, an Indian Army official earlier said: “Operations are still underway to rescue another ONGC employee.”

“One AK 47 has also been recovered,” the Indian Army said.