Garo rebels release SBI employee

Shillong: After 17 days in captivity, State Bank of India (SBI) employee Subodh Kumar Mishra was released late on Wednesday night near Sibbari in the South Garo Hills.
Mishra (27) was kidnapped at gunpoint by members of A’chik Songna Anchakpagipa Kotok (ASAK) near Gasuapara, South Garo Hills, on August 5, when he was returning from his office.
Soon after his release, the visibly weak and traumatized Mishra reported at Dalu police station from where he was escorted to Tura.
Mishra joined the SBI as an assistant officer in 2013 and was posted at the bank’s Gasuapara branch. “They (the abductors) did not allow me to talk to anybody, including my family members,” said Mishra.
IGP (Western range) H Nongpluh said, “Our operation is still on in the area. On several occasions, we came close but could not track rebels. We feel the abductors were aware of our movement and were pressurized to release him.”
Assistant general manager of SBI (Garo hills division) Nixon Joseph said, “It is a huge relief for us. We only appeal that bankers are not abducted again.”
Mishra’s parents are on their way to Tura to receive their son. His abduction had several protests in the region with SBI offices remaining shut. On June 16, Arvind Kumar, branch manager of the SBI’s Ampati in South West Garo Hills, was abducted from Garobadha. He was rescued unharmed by the security forces two days later.