DIMAPUR, JUNE 28 (MExN): The kidnapping crisis gripping Karbi Anglong district of Assam is yet to end nearly three weeks since it begun. On June 10 last, around 20-21 persons working at the Rs. 52-crore Longnit Mini Hydro Electric Project in the Singhasong hills of Karbi Anglong, near Diphu, were kidnapped by the proscribed Karbi People’s Liberation Tigers for ransom.
Joint rescue operations carried out by the Diphu police and para-military forces have failed to give any results. The Diphu police are also not letting out any information on the progress of the operations.
Two Nagas were among the abducted lot, who are yet to be released. According to the latest report, there are still 19 hostages in captivity. Initially, it was reported that the abductors had released a majority of the hostages while seven were held back.
On Thursday, June 28, it was learned from reliable sources that only two local Karbi workers were set free following the intervention of Diphu-based civil organisations. The two Nagas, identified as Kelesel Kikhi and Khroviho Kikhi of Viswema village, Kohima District were said to have been sub-contracted by Guwahati-based P. Das & Co. (the company contracted for executing work at the project site). According to the sources, the kidnappers have scaled down the ransom amount to Rs. 40 lakh from the initial Rs. 2 crore. The abductors have assured the safety of the hostages provided the ransom is met.
