Bhubaneswar:
With the deadline given by Maoists in Odisha for the release of two hostages, Italian national Paolo Bosusco and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Jhina Hikaka set to end today, the state government has toughened its stand. Last night, three senior officials including the state Home Secretary, who were involved in the negotiations to free the Italian hostage told the media that all the 27 prisoners who would be released to meet the demands of both the Maoist groups will have to move bail petitions in the concerned courts for their release.
"Since their release from the jail involves the judicial process of grant of bail by the concerned courts the detainees have to file their bail application .It is advised that steps be taken on behalf of the 23 detainees to file their bail petition," said UN Behera, Odisha Home Secretary.
This is for the first time that the state government has clearly spelt out the conditions involved in what it had so far described as the 'judicial process'. Maoist prisoners have always rejected the idea of release on the basis of bail and there is little chance that any one of the 27 prisoners would ever move bail petitions.
However, there is no word from either of the Maoist groups.
Officials have said that the two mediators nominated by Maoists need to pass on a copy of their joint statement to Sabyasachi Panda, the Odisha Maoist chief - who is holding Mr Bosusco captive - so that any confusion that he may have had about the negotiations can be cleared.
Mr Bosusco, a 51-year-old tour operator was taken hostage by the Maoists on March 14 alongwith compatriot Claudio Colangelo, a tourist. Even as Mr Colangelo was allowed to go, Mr Bosusco continued to be held captive with the Maoists remaining firm on the charter of demands.
Jhina Hikaka, the 37-year old dynamic tribal leader who was elected for the first time to the state assembly in 2009 from the Laxmipur seat, was abducted by Maoists in Koraput district of Odisha on March 24. The BJD leader was on his way back home at Laxmipur from Koraput. He was taken hostage by Maoists while his driver and personal security officer were let off.