Bhubaneswar: The Maoists behind the abduction of first time BJD legislator Jhina Hikaka have warned the Odisha government not to buy time or use the police
and made it clear that they don`t want any negotiators.
"They (Maoists) have cautioned the government not to buy
time or use the police to harm them," Chief Minister Naveen
Patnaik told the assembly.
"I assure the members that all efforts are being made for
ensuring the safe release of our colleague, the honourable
member from Laxmipur," Patnaik said, adding the demands were
being examined.
A communication in Telegu was received yesterday through
the media from the Srikakulam-Koraput Divisional Committee of
Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee of CPI (Maoist)
claiming to have abducted the MLA.
A letter purported to have been signed by the MLA
addressed to the chief minister was also received, with the
Maoists asking for immediate fulfillment of their demands and
that they did not want negotiation through mediators, the
chief minister said.
The letter listed seven main demands, including stopping
of police combing operation and of intelligence gathering,
withdrawal of all police camps, stopping of Green Hunt
operations and halt to rallies and demonstrations for the
release of the MLA, Patnaik said.
The letter also demanded unconditional release of the
members of the Maoist-backed Chasi Mulia Sangha and other
ultras in Koraput and Malkangiri jails, no police action in
the name of anti-Naxal operation and implementation of all the
demands made at the time of release of former collector of
Malkangiri, Vineel Krishna in February last year, he said.
Describing Hikaka as a tribal gentleman working for the
welfare of tribals and poor, Patnaik renewed his appeal for
the release of Hikaka unharmed and immediately.
Patnaik was replying to an adjournment motion - "MLA
abducted: Does Government exist" - moved by the opposition
Congress on the MLA.
Thirty-seven-year-old Hikaka was abducted near Toyaput
on the Koraput-Laxmipur road around 1:00 am on March 24 while
returning home to Laxmipur in Koraput district.
PTI
