Bhubaneswar: Unable to find a conclusion
through negotiations with government officials on the efforts
to secure release of the remaining Italian hostage, the two
Maoist nominated mediators on Tuesday sought Odisha Chief Minister
Naveen Patnaik`s intervention to resolve the issue.
"We have handed over a memorandum to government
negotiators addressed to the chief minister. We have given our
views on different demands made by Maoists. As there are some
difference of opinions over the demands, we have sought the
chief minister`s intervention," Maoist mediators B D Sharma
and Dandapani Mohanty told reporters here.
Stating that the issues associated with the release of
Italian hostages were complex, the mediators said they had
been holding talks with the government negotiators for four
days.
"We have identified certain issues which need the
chief minister`s intervention. The issues are policy related
and basic problems of tribal people," Sharma said without
giving details.
Replying a question, Mohanty said the health of the
lone Italian hostage Paolo Bosusco was fine. "There is
nothing to worry about Basusco`s health."
Asked to clarify the minimum demands of Odisha State
Organising Committee of the CPI(Maoist) that abducted Bosusco
and Claudio Colangelo on MArch 14, Mohanty said that the
ultras wanted punishment for police officials allegedly
involved in custodial death and rape cases.
Release of persons booked in fresh cases by police
even after acquittal by courts, withdrawal of false cases
against about 15 persons and some local issues were prime
demands for release of the lone Italian national, Mohanty
said.
Home Secretary U N Behera who is leading the
government team said: "The negotiations will resume tomorrow."
PTI
