Missing Assam scribes return after interviewing Paresh Barua

Two Assam journalists, who were reportedly untraced for over a month from Myanmar territory while returning after interviewing ULFA 'c-in-c' Paresh Barua, have returned safely. The duo reportedly entered eastern Assam late on Monday night through Nagaland and are reportedly safe. Rajeev Bhattacharjee and Pradip Gogoi had gone to interview Barua deep in the Myanmar jungles in October last year. They had contacted ULFA and NSCN leadership for setting up the interview and the militants had reportedly escorted them to Barua's camp. However, reports in November-end said the journalists were untraced after being taken into custody by the Junta in Myanmar. The Union Home Secretary had also issued a statement in New Delhi that the scribes were with the Myanmar army and India was negotiating their safe release. However, the statement was retracted within hours and the Central government remained mum on the matter since. While Bhattacharjee is the executive editor of a newly launched English daily from Guwahati 'Seven Sister's Post' and based in Guwahati, Gogoi is associated with a private television channel and works from Duliajan in Tinsukia district.