Kidnapped oil tanker drivers release in Nagaland

Kohima, May 4: After two-day strike of the Nagaland Petro dealers, the driver and handyman of one oil tanker, who were abducted by armed miscreants near New Helipong village under Tuensang district on April 22 last, have been safely released.
According to sources today after the abducted were released with the help of Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO), they were brought to the residence of the Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang yesterday.
The ENPO, through its media cell has sincerely appreciated the wisdom and intuition of the “people concerned” for the safe release of the oil tanker driver and a handyman, as requested by the organisation. ENPO said the “people concerned” while understanding the desire of the Naga public at this crucial stage have above all honoured the ENPO December 18, 2007 Tuensang Summit Resolution.
In view of the 48-hour deadline given by various unions to ensure safe release of the duo and subsequent expiry of the set deadline, ENPO said the DC Tuensang had personally requested its intervention.
Further, ENPO said stated that it was a joint concerted effort of the Tuensang district administration, police, security, tribal bodies and frontal organizations under ENPO which eventually led to the safe release of the driver and handyman. Extending appreciation for reposing faith on it, ENPO expressed hope that “this kind of understanding and joint effort in any matter shall continue in days to come.”
Nagaland Director General of Police, Rupin Sharma has expressed gratitude the ENPO, police, administration, Village Guards, Assam Rifles, Assam police and all other state and central agencies for their efforts in ensuring the safe release of the two. Sharma also thanked ENPO President Khoiwang Konyak and ENPO team for walking the last mile.
Meanwhile, the Kohima Petroleum Dealers Association, Dimapur Petroleum Dealers Association, Nagaland Tanker Transport Association and Oil Tanker Drivers Union have expressed appreciation to the state government for upholding the assurance for the safe release of abducted tanker driver and handyman.
The associations also extended gratitude and appreciated ENPO and the team for successfully negotiating and rescuing the abducted persons. Further, the associations thanked the police, village guards, Indian Army and all individuals who contributed towards ensuring the safe release of its members. UNI