SM Krishna thanks Odisha CM for hostage release efforts

External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on Thursday thanked Odisha Chief Minister for personal intervention in getting the Italian hostages released.

Krishna thanked the Chief Minister within hours of the release of Italian hostage Paolo Bosusco, a Puri-based tour operator, who was abducted by Maoists along with compatriot Colangelo on March 14 while trekking in the forests in Kandhamal district of Odisha.

While Colangelo was released on March 25, Bosusco was released today after 29 days in captivity.

"It is a very good development for enhancing the image of India as a safe and peaceful country," Krishna said.