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ODISHA HOSTAGE CRISIS |
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Odisha government softens stance, drops charges against 13 of 17 members of the Maoist-backed Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha
The announcement came after the Maoists refused further extension of deadline for the fulfilment of their demands
Bibhuti Pati
Baliapeta
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MLA Jinna Hikaka was abducted by Maoists on 24 March
Photo: AFP |
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The Odisha government on Wednesday announced that it will drop charges against 13 of the 17 members of the Maoist-backed Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS) to facilitate release of the abducted ruling BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka.
The announcement came in the evening after the Maoists refused further extension of deadline for fulfilment of their demands.
The 13 persons against whom prosecution will be dropped are Argu Sirka, Roopna Hukuka, Dora Hantal, Dhana Hantala, Wadeka Diba, Nachika Suba, Rabi Tadingi, Huluka Kesaba, Setu Pangi, Mula Neelam Reddy, Deba Madhi, Ganga Sodi and Bhima Padiami.
"The state government has agreed to facilitate the release of 17 members of the CMAS and eight Maoists from jail. Meanwhile, seven CMAS members have applied for bail. Arugu Sirika and Roopana Huluka have already been released. In the case of Dhana Hantal and Dora Hantala, bail has been granted and they would be out of jail after furnishing the surety. Two cases each are pending against Rabi Tandig, Wadeka Diba and Nachika Suba,” home secretary Upendra Nath Behera said. He added that bail petitions for the remaining persons shall be filed soon.
“In view of the above proactive steps and circumstances, the state government appeals to the Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) to release MLA Jhina Hikaka immediately, unhurt and in good health,” the home secretary said.
On Wednesday 18 April, Hikaka was produced in the 'Praja' court (people's court), where he promised to resign as the BJD MLA from Laxmipur after his release. He also promised that he will push for the CMAS leader Nachika Linga's name to be removed from government's 'most-wanted' list. Hikaka assured that he will support Linga in the following by-elections, where Linga will contest for the legislative post as an independent candidate. Sources say that the Maoists are considering Hikaka's assurances in the 'Praja' court and could release him any moment.
Two hours before the home secretary’s announcement, rebel leader Aruna had rejected the government's appeal to extend the deadline and declared that the fate of the legislator would be decided in a 'Praja' court on Thursday 19 April. “We will release Hikaka only after all the 29 persons are released and all the cases against them are withdrawn,” Aruna had earlier told Tehelka.com. “If the state government thinks that strong action won't be taken against Hikaka as he is a tribal, then that is incorrect. We don't have any faith in the government and it isn't serious about Hikaka's release,” she had said.
The Maoists had demanded the release of 29 persons, including four rebels, prisoners by 5 pm on 18 April.
The Maoists had earlier dropped their demand for Cheda Bhusanam alias Ghasi, accused in several incidents of violence, to be released along with 29 persons in exchange for Hikaka's release. Hikaka was kidnapped on 23 March from Koraput.
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