ULFA releases BJP minister's son
Sources have stated that the ULFA militants, who kidnapped the son of Assam BJP leader Ratnaswer Moran have released him. ULFA had kidnapped 27-year-old Kuldeep Moran on 1 August from the Assam-Arunachal border, calling him an army informer and even demanded a ransom of Rs.1 crore. It is not yet clear whether Kuldeep's family paid any ransom for his release.
Who is Kuldeep Moran
The abducted Assamese boy is 27 years old Kuldeep Moran. He belongs to a political family whose father and uncle until recently were Congress leaders. Just prior to the state elections earlier this year, they switched over to BJP and are now part of the incumbent state government. Moran is the son of BJP leader Ratnaswer Moran and nephew of lawmaker, Bolin Chetia.
Ransom demanded for BJP leader's son
Kuldeep Moram, a BJP leader's son was abducted on August 1 by United Liberation Front of Assam-Independent (ULFA-I). Earlier today, a video was released in which the group reportedly demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore for the abducted boy. The ULFA-I is a banned organization and although infamous for several kidnappings and abductions, a ransom video as modus operandi is unprecedented.
Ransom claims
The video shows Kuldeep Moran surrounded by five armed militants. He claimed he was abducted by ULFA-I and feared dying in cross-firings. He requested his family members and the Chief Minister of Assam to rescue him. His father had received a ransom call. However, the organization sent a statement to media houses saying that Moran himself was extorting money under the guise of ULFA-I.
Counter Claims
General Secretary of ULFA-I, Anup Chetia, has categorically denied any link to the ransom demanding organization. Furthermore, he appeared rather doubtful over the abduction claims of Kuldeep Moran. He stated that the abducted boy's father was, in fact, a small time BJP leader who simply didn't have the capacity to pay such a huge amount as ransom.
United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA)
ULFA was established in 1979 with the aim of establishing a "sovereign socialist Assam" through violence and an armed struggle. The organization was eventually banned by the government of India in 1990.
Baruah: BJP members son was army informer
ULFA Chief Paresh Baruah stated that the BJP member's son who was kidnapped, was not kidnapped for ransom, but because he was an army informer. Baruah said Kuldip Moran was picked up for passing on information to the army which led to the deaths of ULFA cadre. He said, "he will be tried by our court. If found innocent, he will be released."
ULFA releases BJP minister's son
Sources have stated that the ULFA militants, who kidnapped the son of Assam BJP leader Ratnaswer Moran have released him. ULFA had kidnapped 27-year-old Kuldeep Moran on 1 August from the Assam-Arunachal border, calling him an army informer and even demanded a ransom of Rs.1 crore. It is not yet clear whether Kuldeep's family paid any ransom for his release.
