Quippo employee released by ULFA (I) intercepted at Indo-Myanmar border

Kohima, April 3 (MExN): A border patrol of Assam Rifles in South Arunachal Pradesh intercepted an individual crossing the India Myanmar Border in Changlang district, during border domination operations on April 3.

The individual was later identified as Pranab Kumar Gogoi, an employee of Quippo Oil and Gas Infra Ltd, who was earlier kidnapped from Inau, Arunachal Pradesh on December 21 by the United Liberation Front of Asom—ULFA (Independent), as per a press release from the PRO (Def) Kohima on April 3. The individual has been handed over to Arunachal Pradesh Police at Longvi, the release added.

According to an IANS report, the ULFA (I) released one of the two abducted employees after 104 days, official sources said on Saturday. However, unconfirmed reports said that ULFA-I has released the two hostages in different locations of Arunachal Pradesh, the report added. Arunachal Pradesh's Additional Director General of Police Ravindra Yadav told IANS over phone that they are verifying the facts.

Pranab Kumar Gogoi, drilling superintendent and Ram Kumar, a radio operator with the oil company were abducted on December 21 from the company’s Kumchaikha hydrocarbon drilling site in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district.

Pranab Gogoi hails from Sivasagar district of Assam, Ram Kumar is from Bihar. Meanwhile, the ULFA (I) has not yet announced or confirmed the release of the abducted employee.