One of the kidnapped Italian, Paolo Bosusco
(Left), with a local. (AFP)
The Italian government, worried about two citizens kidnapped by the Naxals in Odisha, may have more cause for concern today. The state government and the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram have traded charges about rescue efforts.
Home Minister P Chidambaram rejected remarks by Odisha's Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik that the Central government has not offered any assistance. "If he (Patnaik) has actually said that, I am very disappointed. I don't think the chief minister should be making these statements without any basis," he said. Mr Chidambaram said that he phoned the chief minister on Sunday. "I offered him every help. He did not ask me for anything. He said I am just keeping you informed... no specific request for help has been made until I left my office a few minutes ago."
Mr Patnaik responded, "I am not here to banter with Mr Chidambaram. The kidnapping is a very serious issue for us. My first concern is the release of two Italian hostages."
The Italians - tour operator Paolo Bosusco and tourist Claudio Colangelo - were abducted exactly one week ago when they were trekking in Kandhamal.
The Maoists holding them captive have issued a list of 13 demands, including a ban on tourists visiting tribal areas, end to the government's anti-insurgency operations and the release of jailed rebel leaders.