The driver and handyman of an oil tanker who were abducted by unknown miscreants from near New Helipong in Tuensang district on April 22 were released on Thursday morning.
Nagaland home commissioner Abhshekh Singh, in a statement issued after their release, expressed thanks and gratitude to Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation, civil society organisations and all agencies for their help and support in ensuring the safe release of the duo.
Four associations – Kohima Petroleum Dealers association, Dimapur Petroleum Dealers association, Nagaland Tanker Transport Association and Oil Tanker Drivers Union – called for an indefinite closure of all oil pumps and transportation of oil in Nagaland on April 30 after the expiry of the deadline for release of the driver Tularam Buragohain and handyman Adman Surin.
However, they signed an undertaking at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Nagaland commissioner Sentiyanger Imchen in his office in Kohima on May 1 and withdrew the strike for the welfare of the public.
Several organisations also demanded safe release of the driver and the helper.
Hundred of vehicles from Dimapur rushed to nearby Lahorijan, Khatkhati and Bokajan in Karbi Anglong district of Assam to buy petrol and diesel during the period of the strike.
The Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of Nagaland, which met at Chief Minister’s residential office, also appealed to the abductors to immediately release the innocent persons on humanitarian grounds so as to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the state.
Chief Secretary and PAC member secretary Temjen Toy said the administration is making all possible efforts to ensure safe return of the abducted persons.
