Hostage crisis: Confusion prevails over release of Odisha MLA

Confusion prevailed over the release of BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka on Monday amid contradictory views in Maoist-backed Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh even as abductors of an Italian toughened their stand for setting him free.

Though Sangh president Nachika Linga, on the run since 2009, said the tribal group would join talks if certain conditions were fulfilled, some others associated with it appeared to be reluctant.

Listing the conditions for joining talks for Hikaka's release, Linga, in a statement to media, said all cases against him would have to be withdrawn, all jailed CMAS members released and anti-Maoist operations halted.

Alleging that many CMAS members were in Koraput jail on 'false charges' for long, Linga said if the conditions were fulfilled, the Sangh would mediate for the release of the 37-year-old MLA from Laxmipur abducted on March 24.

After fulfilment of its demands, the CMAS would discuss the matter with tribal groups like Niyamgiri Surakshya Parishad, Mali Parbat Surakshya Parishad, Noka Dora and Konda Reddy before talks with government, he said.

However, Maoist mediator Dandapani Mohanty who along with BD Sharma held talks with government representatives for the release of Italian Paolo Bosusco, said since CMAS was not involved in the MLA's abduction, it cannot decide on his release.

If CMAS holds talks with the government, it would discuss "people's issues",  Mohanty said claiming himself to be "co-advisor" of the Sangh.

On Linga's statement, chief secretary B K Patnaik said the government was trying to take a host of steps for the release of Hikaka and Bosusco and discussion with CMAS was one of the proposals.

"We have taken note of the statement by CMAS leader. It is being examined," another official said adding Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had invited CMAS for talks on Friday night as demands of MLA's abductors were related to the Sangh.

Meanwhile, abductors of Bosusco in an audio message to the media toughened their stand and took strong exception to the government taking long time to examine their demands.legislator.

A leader of Odisha State Organising Committee of CPI (Maoist) said in the message that release of the Italian would be considered only after the government announces its decision on their demands instead of buying time.

Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda warned in the message that the government would be responsible for any eventuality in the Italian hostage crisis if it plans any operations for the release of Bosusco, abducted on March 14.

The government should make a categorical announcement on release of jailed rebels, he said and stressed on early release of those re-arrested after acquittal by court.

Incidentally, Panda's wife, Subhashree Das alias Mili Panda, is among the jailed ultras whose release is being demanded by the abductors.

"The government should try to win the confidence of the abductors by making some concrete announcement," said Dandapani Mohanty.

The issue of the MLA's abduction was raised in the state Assembly with NCP legislature party leader Amar Satpathy voicing concern over the legislator's health condition and demanding a statement from the government.

There are reports about the MLA falling ill in the captivity of Maoists, he said asking the government to place a clear picture on the situation and spell out the steps being taken by it for release of Hikaka, abducted on March 24 in Koraput district.

The chief minister had not made any statement on the hostage crisis since Friday last when he had briefed the assembly about the issue.

Like the MLA abduction issue, the Italian hostage crisis also turned complicated. While Italian tourist Claudio Colangelo was released on March 25 as a 'goodwill gesture', Bosusco was still in the Maoist captivity. They were kidnapped on March 14 while trekking in Kandhamal district.

A government official said as the Maoists have demanded release of about 40 jailed rebels, it would take some time to form a view on the issue after thorough examination.

"We are examining how the process can be initiated," he said.

Another government official said the Maoists should honour the appeal made by Sharma and Mohanty for the release of Bosusco on humanitarian considerations.

While Koraput-Srikalulam Division of Maoists, which owned responsibility for abduction of the MLA, have refused talks through mediators, CMAS had earlier claimed that it had no role in the kidnapping of the legislator.