Odisha hostage crisis: Talks with Maoists suspended indefinitely

The discussion between the Maoist interlocutors and the Odisha government over the release of the two abducted Italian nationals has been suspended indefinitely after an MLA of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Jhina Hikaka, was abducted from Koraput district today. Mr Hikaka, legislator from Laxmipur, was returning home from Koraput when more than 100 armed rebels stopped his vehicle near Toyaput at around 1 am. While his personal security officer (PSO) and driver were allowed to leave, Mr Hikaka was taken away into the nearby forest by the ultras at gunpoint. Sources have told NDTV that factional rivalry between Maoists is likely the reason behind the MLA's abduction.