Odisha assembly appeals Maoists to release Italians

The Odisha assembly on Thursday took an unanimous resolution to appeal the Maoists to release the two abducted Italian nationals.

The house also witnessed a noisy scene as the Opposition Congress members demanded clarification from the state government on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's remark against the Centre over the hostage crisis.

The resolution was moved by the leader of the house and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik saying, "This house expresses deep concern on the issue of abduction of two Italian nationals. The house unanimously appeals for the safe release of the two foreign nationals. The house also shares the agony and anxiety of family members of the two Italian nationals."

When the resolution was moved, Opposition Congress members who earlier favoured passing of the resolution, demanded chief minister's clarification on his statement against the Centre yesterday.

Government was adamant on its stance and instead of giving clarification the chief minister moved the resolution and it was passed by voice vote when the Opposition members were protesting at the well of the house.