Naxals extend deadline to April 18 for MLA release
The south Odisha fraction of the naxals, who have kept Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Jhina Hikaka in their captivity since March 24, have once again extended their deadline to release the lawmaker in exchange for 29 prisoners, arrested for their association with the left wing extremism.
In an audio message released to regional news channels, naxal leader Aruna, representing Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC), said they were ready to release the MLA on April 18 if the government withdraws charges and frees the 29 jailed tribal prisoners as they were not part of the Communist Party of India (Maoists), but a local association called Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS).
The abductors dropped their earlier demand to release naxal leader Ghasi, accused in killing of at least 50 policemen, after the state government received warning from Odisha Police Association that the police would boycott anti-naxal operation if the rebel leader is freed. The ultras said the state government should take steps to withdraw cases against the tribals, rejecting a state government suggestion that the prisoners should apply for bail application to end their detention.
Only the wife of the abducted MLA or CMAS advocate Nihar Rajan Patnaik should accompany the released tribals on their way to Balipeta, where their families have been sitting in a hunger strike for several days, the AOBSZC leader said in her audio message. The state government, however, said it would take steps to free 25 of the 29 demanded prisoners, who have to apply for bail. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who left for New Delhi on Sunday to attend the Chief Minister’s Conference on Monday, said he hopes for early and safe release of the 37 year old legislator and appealed the naxals to release him citing the mental suffering of the Hikaka family. The MLA abduction case could not be resolved along with the Italian hostage crisis as the south Odisha fraction of naxals refused to negotiate through mediators, forcing the state government to opt for back channel discussion. CM Patnaik had to rush to Koraput district on Saturday to strike a deal with the AOBSCZ with the help of local leaders.