Abducted BJD MLA, Jhina Hikaka.
Even as one Italian national was released by the Maoists in Odisha, hectic negotiations are on to ensure safe release of the second Italian national and a ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA still held captive.
Police sources said that the Srikakulam-Koraput division of the CPI (Maoist) is suspected to have kidnapped the MLA, Jhina Hikaka, adding a group of local journalists were in touch with the abductors for his safe release.
A press release by the Maoists makes it clear that they will not name any mediators. Instead, it has said the party will conduct the dialogue with the state government through the media.
The Maoists also threatened to kill the abducted BJD MLA if the government tries to launch any rescue operation without addressing their genuine demands.
A handwritten note in Odia, from the abducted MLA, addressed to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was received by the state government yesterday. In his letter, Hikaka says he is safe but has asked that for his safe release, all anti-Maoist combing and intelligence operation must be stopped. All rallies done to garner support for government should also stop. He goes on to write that demands by Maoists should be acceded to and the Maoists and supporters of Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS) who are in Malkangiri and Koraput jails should be released.
"I have received a communication from the Maoists regarding the young MLA. It is being looked at and examined. I again appeal to the Maoists of Koraput to release the young tribal MLA. He worked very hard for people," said Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
"I also appeal to the Maoists of Kandhamal to release second Italian hostage. I appeal the Maoist of both the district to release the hostages immediately and unharmed," he added.
Jhina Hikaka, MLA of Laxmipur and a tribal, was abducted by Maoists in Koraput district of Odisha at 1 am on March 24. The 37-year-old MLA was on his way back home at Laxmipur from Koraput. He was taken hostage by Maoists while his driver and personal security officer (PSO) were let off. Since then, the state government had no information regarding the whereabouts of the MLA.
The issue of Hikaka's abduction rocked the Odisha Assembly. Hikaka's wife Kausalya and his two minor sons have, meanwhile, appealed to the abductors to release him. "My husband has worked a lot for the welfare of tribals. The abductors should release him immediately without delay," Kausalya said.
While Maoists set free 61-year-old Italian national Colangelo, his compatriot Puri-based Italian tour operator Paolo Bosusco (54) was still being held captive by the ultras who said his release would depend on the Odisha government's seriousness regarding their demands.
The two foreigners had been abducted by the Maoists while trekking in the dense forest and hilly areas of Kandhamal district on March 14. But the matter came to light through media only on March 17.
Colangelo, an Italian tourist, has left for his home. He was released after 10 days in captivity in a Maoist camp.
Although there are many common demands for release of both, the Italian tour operator and the MLA, the growing fissures between the Andhra-Odisha Border Committee of the CPI (Maoist) and the Odisha Organising Committee has complicated matters.
The talks between the two mediators, Dr BD Sharma and Dandapani Mohanty, and three senior Odisha government officials led by Home Secretary UN Behera, which were suspended on Saturday, resumed on Monday. Speaking to NDTV, Mr Behera expressed hope that an early solution to the abduction incidents in Kandhamal and Laxmipur will be worked out.