13 years ago
Had to cook in the jungle: Freed Sukma Collector tells NDTVAlex Paul Menon also told NDTV that he will resume charge in Sukma tomorrow. He was released by the Maoists yesterday after he spent 12 days in captivity.
Highlights of what Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh told the media after the Collector's release;
Mediators reached agreement on April 30
Going forward we should focus on development and progress.
State govt had given assurance on committee formed under Nirmala Buch and we have kept our word. We will take stock of pending cases and delay in trials
Need national policy on dealing with hostage crisis
I am not in a position to give any advice to any state minister as they can handle their states themselves, situations are different everywhere
Can't keep police at each and every corner in the state.
Mediators reached agreement on April 30
Going forward we should focus on development and progress.
State govt had given assurance on committee formed under Nirmala Buch and we have kept our word. We will take stock of pending cases and delay in trials
Need national policy on dealing with hostage crisis
I am not in a position to give any advice to any state minister as they can handle their states themselves, situations are different everywhere
Can't keep police at each and every corner in the state.
Mediators Professor G Hargopal and B D Sharma address media after the release of Sukma Collector Alex Paul Menon. Here are the highlights of what they said;
B D Sharma: We were given the responsibility to get the collector home. We have done that.
No deal between Naxals and government. Just a committee has been made.
Professor Hargopal: We put the demands forward to the committee. They said unless collector is released they would not promise anything. So whatever demands have been made, will be taken up by the Nirmala Buch committee.
The release of the innocent tribals is one demand. Committee said, once collector is released, we will take up 347 cases and promised to release maximum tribals.
We do not want to disclose names of three prisoners whose release the Maoists have specifically demanded. We have given the government a choice to release three prisoners whose offences are the least. In one of the cases, the person is already acquitted, so the government should have no problem.
B D Sharma: We were given the responsibility to get the collector home. We have done that.
No deal between Naxals and government. Just a committee has been made.
Professor Hargopal: We put the demands forward to the committee. They said unless collector is released they would not promise anything. So whatever demands have been made, will be taken up by the Nirmala Buch committee.
The release of the innocent tribals is one demand. Committee said, once collector is released, we will take up 347 cases and promised to release maximum tribals.
We do not want to disclose names of three prisoners whose release the Maoists have specifically demanded. We have given the government a choice to release three prisoners whose offences are the least. In one of the cases, the person is already acquitted, so the government should have no problem.
Alex Menon will hold a press conference in a short while from now
Friends and family greet Alex with celebrations and prayers
His mother-in-law, happy and relieved, performed an aarti
Alex Menon reaches his home in Sukma. Moment of joy for family
Alex Menon reaches Sukma
Mr Menon is expected to hold a press conference at 10 am
Alex Menon's family will receive him at the helipad in Sukma, about 2 km away from the Collector's residence.
He is currently on his way from Chintalnar to Sukma in a chopper
Chhattisgarh Collector Alex Paul Menon, who released by Maoists yesterday after almost two weeks in captivity, will reunite with his family in Sukma in a short while from now.
Alex Menon is expected to reach Sukma at around 9 am today.
Collector's wife to NDTV: I spoke to Alex, he said he is tired. Mixed emotions at his release.
I am ok, will speak after a day: Alex Menon after releaseA tired-looking Mr Menon told the media he is fine, but will speak after a day.
Alex Paul Menon's brother to NDTV: We were really very happy. My sister has packed her emotions away till he gets home. Alex spoke with her, spoke with me. He said he was OK and is coming home. We are expecting him around 10:00 pm.
I don't know how to express my joy, says Collector Menon's father-in-lawIn Chennai, Alex Paul Menon's father-in-law, TR Venugopal had tears of joy after the Sukma Collector was released. He said he will now request his son-in-law to visit Chennai and relax.
Sukma collector Alex Paul Menon released by MaoistsSukma Collector Alex Paul Menon, who was kidnapped by Maoists in Chhattisgrah almost two weeks ago, has been released by his abductors. "I am ok, will speak later," Mr Menon told reporters after his release around 6:30 pm today.
Released Collector says he will speak to the media in a day or two.
Alex Paul Menon is likely to drive down to Sukma.
Alex Paul Menon speaks to the media. He says, " I am well. I would like to go home first."
UPDATE: Maoists release collector
Maoists likely to release Sukma collector after press conference
Update: Maoists call a press conference in Talmetla; Sukma collector not released yet
Blog: Collector Alex Menon released, Naxals remain in charge
Sukma Collector Alex Paul Menon, is free after being held hostage by Maoist for twelve days. On the face of it, the Maoists didn't get a good bargain and the State Government of Chattisgarh has done well-no hardcore Maoist cadres were released.
Sukma Collector Alex Paul Menon, is free after being held hostage by Maoist for twelve days. On the face of it, the Maoists didn't get a good bargain and the State Government of Chattisgarh has done well-no hardcore Maoist cadres were released.
Sukma collector Alex Paul Menon to be released by Maoists: 10 big developmentsSukma Collector Alex Paul Menon is expected to reach home shortly afetr 12 days in captivity, local TV channels reported.
