Raipur:
The four cops being held hostage by Naxals in Chhattisgarh might be released as early as today evening according to sources.
On September 19, Maoists killed three of the seven policemen they had abducted in Bijapur district in Bastar region; they had demanded the withdrawal of operation Greenhunt in return for the remaining four cops.
Sources say that Naxals want to give a stern message to the government that they too are capable of arm twisting. The Naxals reportedly want the government to take them seriously. The Naxals are reportedly freeing the four cops on humanitarian ground to show that they do not want to indulge in mindless killing and senseless violence, according to sources.
The families of the four cops are in Konta in Dantewadha district.
Earlier on Tuesday night, the Naxals had extended by 24 hours the deadline set for the release of the four policemen. The Chhattisgarh government has been negotiating with the Maoists for the safe return of the hostages.