Tura, Aug 12: All banking institution in Garo hills today joined the
State Bank of India to denounce kidnapping of Subodh Kumar Mishra, who
was abducted at gunpoint from Gasuapara in South Garo Hills on August 5.
The abductors made fresh call today and have demanded Rs. 50 lakh for
Mishra’s release.
SBI bank employees from 41 branches of Garo hills took part in the
protest march, which began from Chandmari SBI regional office and
passed through the main through fare of the town. All other banks
operating in the region took part in the march.
“The indefinite strike of SBI branches in Garo hills will continue.
All banks and ATMs will remain shut. Other banks have also shown
solidarity to our strike, they will also continue their indefinite
strike”, said Nixon Joseph, assistant general manager (Garo hills
division).
Their placards read as, “We don’t need guns and bombs to bring peace”,
“calling for unity and peace for better Garo hills”, “We demand safe
release of Subodh Kumar Mishra”, “Let this not be repeated, make Garo
hills peaceful” and “We are here to serve you, help us to help you”.
Bank officials have told The Telegraph that Rs. 5 lakh was paid to the
abductors on Saturday for Mishra’s release. However, they are yet to
release him. The abductors had demanded for Rs. 1 crore for his
ransom, which was reduced to Rs. 10 lakh.
“The abductors made a fresh call today and have demanded Rs. 50 lakh.
They have not allowed the family and bank officials to speak to Mishra
so far”, he added.
“We are yet to trace whereabouts of Mishra. Our rescue operation is
still on”, said Lakador Syiem, superintendent of police, South Garo
Hills.
Commenting on the abduction, Meghalaya chief minister, Mukul Sangma
said, “The abduction of SBI employee is a demonstration of their
(militants) frustration. They want to destabilize the state
machinery”.(SP News)
