Bhubaneswar: Mediators who played a
crucial role during hostage crisis in Orissa involving the
then Malkangiri collector, on Sunday condemned the recent killing
of five persons by the ultras.
In a statement here, the mediators Prof G Hargopal and
Dandapani Mohanty requested the Maoists to refrain from taking
the path of violence which would hamper implementation of
their 14-point agreement reached with the Orissa government.
Though delayed, Orissa government had started working
on the demands made by the Maoists while releasing the then
Malkangiri collector R Vineel Krishna.
Five top Maoists including Ganti Prasadam and Padma
wife of top guerrilla Ramkrishna were released. The government
had also withdrawn cases against tribals including Chasi Mulia
Adivasi Sangha (CMAS) leader Nachika Linga.
"Therefore, at this juncture killing of people will
affect the peace process", the mediators said.
They also held the Orissa government responsible for
carrying out combing operation in violation of the agreement.
They requested both the parties - the Maoists and
the government - to maintain restraint and work for creating
an atmosphere of peace.
The ultras had killed five persons, including two
policemen, in separate attacks in Koraput, Rayagada and
Malkangiri districts during the last four days.
PTI
