Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Abducted District Medical Health Officer P.N. Bezbaruah was today released at Williamnagar by the banned Achik National Volunteers Council (ANVC).
He was released at around 12 noon. However, his condition could not be ascertained. He is a diabetic.
A relieved Home Minister Lotsing A. Sangma said the abducted doctor was released by the banned outfit unconditionally. He told The Indian Express that the ANVC had changed its earlier demand of Rs 30 lakhs to the upgradation of health care system in the entire Garo hills. He felt that Bezbaruah had been released as the government had published different health schemes it had undertaken in Garo hills for improvement of the health care system.
Sangma, however, said he was not aware if Bezbaruah’s family members had paid any ransom, but guessed that they must have convinced the outfit of their inability to shell out such huge ransom.
Asked whether the change of demand had any political colouring considering that Assembly elections was round the corner, Sangma said probably the ANVC must have felt the pressure of Garo Mothers Union and social organisations.
