Banned Assam Outfit ULFA-I To Free Abducted ONGC Worker On Ceasefire Call

News of Ritul Saikia's proposed release came after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed ULFA-I chief Paresh Baruah's call for a "unilateral ceasefire"

Ritul Saikia, one of three ONGC employees abducted by banned Assam outfit ULFA-I last month, will be released "in a day or two" as a sign of good faith, faction chief Paresh Baruah said Thursday. News of Mr Saikia's proposed release came after new Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed Mr Baruah's call for a "unilateral ceasefire" because of the COVID-19 pandemic. "We have seen a statement from ULFA-I chief Paresh Baruah declaring unilateral ceasefire in view of the pandemic and as goodwill for the new government. We welcome any positive step, but a ceasefire will need ground rules for implementation (and) we look forward to a more solid step," Mr Sarma said. "If there is a ceasefire then the ultimate intention should be to enter into talks. We are waiting for a more elaborate statement from Mr Baruah to specify what he wants," he added.