Jamshedpur: The CPI(Maoists) today warned
the Jharkhand government to stop all search operations in
Ghorabandha area for the abducted BDO from midnight tonight
and fulfil their demands if it wants the safe release of the
officer.
Spokesman of CPI(Maoist) Bengal-Orissa-Jharkhand Border
Regional Committee, Rakeshji, told PTI over phone that "they
would not take responsibility of the abducted BDO`s safety if
police action is not stopped at Ghorabandha area from midnight
tonight."
The spokesman assured that Prashant Kumar Layek, the BDO
of Dalbhumgarh, "is safe and sound till now but his well being
will depend on the Jharkhand government`s response to their
demands."
The Maoists are demanding the release of 13 villagers,
who they claim were falsely implicated in cases, and clearance
of outstanding wages of labourers engaged in projects under
the NREGA.
On the Jharkhand government`s offer of talks, Rakeshji
said "We are ready to talk with the government. But it is not
possible if the combing operation is continued and extra
security forces not withdrawn from the area."
The 37-year-old BDO was abducted at gun-point from his
office chamber by Maoists two days back.
Meanwhile, Maoists opened fire on a police
station in Jharkhand`s East Singhbhum district tonight, police
said.
A group of Maoists opened fire at Bodam police station
following which the CRPF personnel retaliated, they said.
CRPF firing forced them to retreat into the forests,
police said, adding there was no casualty in the incident.
-PTI
