FCI unions stage nation-wide strike

Shillong, May 25 (UNI) The joint Co-ordination Committee of Food Corporation of India, Meghalaya, today observed the nationwide pen down and shutters down strike demanding immediate release of FCI Executive Director, North East, Phool Chand Ram from ULFA's clutches.

The proscribed ULFA had demanded a ransom of Rs 21 crore for Dr Ram's release.

On April 17, Dr Ram was abducted along with his driver Rabiram Basumatary from Asom's Ulubari area on Guwahati-Shillong road. Two days, later the militant outfit released Dr Ram's driver.

''We will further intensify our agitation to force the abductors to release Dr Ram unconditionally,'' FCI employees Union General Secretary Ananga Pal said.

Earlier, the FCI employees of the North East Frontier Region had urged the Chief Ministers of the seven north eastern states to secure the immediate safe release of the abducted FCI officer.

Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi recently said all efforts were on to rescue the two hostages from the clutches of the ULFA.

UNI