Shillong, Jan. 3: The Meghalaya government today made it clear that it would not pay ransom to the Achik National Volunteers’ Council (ANVC) to secure the release of district health and medical officer, Williamnagar, P.N. Bezbaruah. The government, however, promised that it would continue its efforts to get the doctor released “unharmed”. Chief minister F.A. Khonglam today told newspersons that the government would not succumb to any pressure from any militant outfit and could only appeal for the release of the abducted doctor.
ANVC rebels had abducted Bezbaruah from Williamnagar on December 19, while he was returning from work.
The outfit has reportedly demanded Rs 30 lakh for Bezbaruah’s release.
Khonglam had also reportedly assured representatives of the Meghalaya Medical Services Association that the abducted doctor would be “released unharmed”, a source said.
However, the chief minister today categorically ruled out the possibility of paying ransom. He said the government would try to settle the issue through dialogue.
Meghalaya director-general of police L. Sailo today said he was not aware of any promise made by the government to pay ransom. Police in East Garo Hills said they were constantly monitoring the situation.
According to unconfirmed reports, the ANVC rebels, who were holding Bezbaruah captive, had contacted the doctor’s family with their demand for ransom.
State mining and geology minister Debora Marak and local district council member Maham Singh are involved in the negotiations.