Maoists issue fresh deadline for release of BJD MLA

Maoists issue fresh deadline for release of BJD MLA 3/04/2012

SIDDHARTHA SHANKAR MISHRA, BUREAU CHIEF, THESE DAYS
ODISHA NEWS/ BHUBANESWAR

Turning down State Governments appeal to nominate mediators to initiate talks with the Government for the release of BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka, Chandramauli, the Secretary of the Andhra-Odisha-Border Special Zonal Committee, that had claimed responsibility for the abduction of the MLA Jhina Hikaka on March 26, in an audio tape today said that the Government should fulfill the demands of the Maoist group by April 5 to secure the release of their MLA.

Chandramauli, in his latest audio message aired by television channels said that they will set free Hikaka if the false case framed against leaders of Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS) in Koraput and Malkangiri districts are withdrawn and they are released.

Rejecting any negotiation on the matter, he said “We are giving the government April 5 deadline.” The rebel leader however did not name the people whose release his group is demanding.


The CMAS is an organization working in the southern parts of the state, including in the districts of Malkangiri and Koraput on tribal related issues. Police say the organization has Maoist support.


Meanwhile, the fresh release of the audio tape by Chandramauli has added a new twist to the crisis as the whereabouts of the BJD MLA is in darkness ever since he was kidnapped on March 24.


It is noteworthy to mention that Sabyasachi Panda, a rebel leader known as Sunil, who has claimed responsibility for the abduction of the Italians, in an audio message aired by television channels on Monday, demanded release of some people arrested for Maoist activities, to ensure the secure release of Paolo Bosusco, else they would be compelled to take ‘extreme step’ against him.