Malkangiri:
Negotiations are still underway of the release of Malkangiri Collector R Vineel Krishna and junior engineer Pabitra Majhi kidnapped in Orissa on February 16.
One of those who the Maoists are demanding walk free in return for the two kidnapped men is their colleague Shriramulu Shrinivas who got bail in a in case related to dacoity, but will not be released as another case is pending against him in Malkangiri court.
On Tuesday, the third day of the talks, mediators discussed more difficult terms set by the Maoists, which include the release of their jailed colleagues, stopping anti-Maoist operations, withdrawal of BSF & CRPF from Malkangiri and the release of 700 tribals jailed across the state.
The mediators met Maoists ahead of their bail plea hearing.
Two mediators meet Maoist leader Ganti Prasad, whose release is a key condition laid down by Maoists. Sources say Prasad may take part in talks on behalf of the Maoists.