AVARD wraps up operation in Assam

Bowing to the condition imposed by the banned United Liberation Front of Asom, the Association of Voluntary Agencies for Rural Development wound up its operations in Assam. ULFA had accused the non-governmental organisation of working for Indian intelligence agencies.

The militant outfit had kidnapped Sanjoy Ghose, AVARD-NE's secretary, on July 4 and subsequently laid four conditions for his release. One of which was the NGO's withdrawal from the state.

AVARD-NE closed its offices in Majuli island and Jorhat. Both the Kamalabari office in Majuli and the main office at Jorhat were closed on Tuesday and phone calls went unanswered. Barring its local members, all non-Assamese speaking activists have left Jorhat. They arrived in Guwahati en route to New Delhi on Wednesday.

The people of Majuli, where AVARD concentrated its rural developmental work, bid a tearful farewell to the members. AVARD president P M Tripathi, in a statement, expressed a deep sense of regret for any act which might have offended either ULFA or the people of Assam. He also tendered an unconditional apology as demanded by the militants.

AVARD-NE was given seven days to leave Assam, but to ensure Ghose's safe and early return, the NGO wound up its activities within 24 hours.

According to local press reports quoting ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Barua, Ghose was held guilty of working for intelligence agencies in a 'trial.' Barua, however, added that following national and international appeals, Ghose would be released on humanitarian grounds.

Informed sources said Ghose would be released within a week to a senior International Red Cross official. ULFA said they would release their captive to a foreign agency to ensure his safety.

RELATED LINK: For The Release Of Sanjoy Ghose