Suspected ULFA militants free kidnapped Assam tea grower

GUWAHATI - Tea grower Ajay Subba, kidnapped by suspected militants of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) last week, returned home early Tuesday, police said.

A police spokesperson said Subba, the owner of a small tea garden in eastern Assam’s Tinsukia district, arrived home after being let off by kidnappers a few kilometres away from his residence.

“I really did not know why I was kidnapped, but I was told by my captors that there was some misunderstanding and they were sorry for holding me hostage,” Subba told IANS after being released.

Police earlier said Subba was kidnapped at gunpoint Sep 14 from close to his plantation.

“I don’t know if they were ULFA or others, but they were armed. I was treated very nicely and was served food to eat properly,” Subba said.

“I was taken blindfolded and kept in some jungle area although they frequently changed locations.”

Police, however, are investigating if Subba was released after the family paid ransom money to the kidnappers.

“We shall interrogate him and find out if money changed hands for securing his release,” a senior police official said.

Subba is the nephew of controversial former Assam Congress MP and lottery baron Mani Kumar Subba.

“I am happy at being released and thanked all those who stood by my family during the past one week,” Subba said.