SHILLONG, Dec 7 � In a U-turn, Myanmarese authorities today denied the arrest of top ULFA man Jibon Moran, and intimated that the two Indian journalists are said to be safe and would be deported soon.
Union Home Secretary, RK Singh reportedly said on Sunday that Moran and two Indian journalists were detained by Myanmarese authorities, but today, Shambhu Singh, joint secretary in-charge North East told The Assam Tribune that only detention of two journalists have been confirmed by Myanmarese authorities.
�We have been confirmed by the Myanmarese authorities that two journalists have been detained, but there are no confirmations of any person by the name of Jibon Moran being detained,� Singh added.
He said that the Union Home Ministry is in touch with Myanmarese authorities for the safe release of the two journalists. �Hopefully within this week, the duo would be deported,� he said.
The two journalists were in Myanmar bordering China to interview ULFA military chief, Paresh Baruah. They were reportedly being escorted by Moran when they were arrested.
Meanwhile, Assam Rifles authorities manning the India-Myanmar have not been informed about any arrest of Indian nationals.
�We have heard about this rumour of Moran�s arrest and the journalists, but, they (Myanmar army) have not confirmed to us anything,� a senior Assam Rifles official said.
