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ODISHA HOSTAGE CRISIS |
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Hikaka remains in captivity as Maoists refuse to respond to govt's offer
Although it was hoped that BJD MLA would be released in exchange of freed CMAS members, nothing changed as Maoists remained mum
Bibhuti Pati
Baliapeta
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MLA Jinna Hikaka was abducted by Maoists on 24 March
Photo: AFP |
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The fate of the abducted BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka hung on the balance even on Thursday 19 April as there was no response from Maoists on the state government’s offer to drop criminal cases against 13 members of the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS).
The day began with a glimmer of hope for the families of both Biju Janata Dal legislator and the 13 CMAS members. While Hikaka's release was being anticipated, the 13 CMAS members too were expecting to be released. But the day ended with disappointment for both sides as the situation remained unchanged.
Conflicting reports were coming in from Narayanpatna area in Koraput district on whether the Maoists held a 'Praja' court on 19 April. Sources say that the 'Praja' court took place till late night in remote area of Narayanpatna and may continue for another day. However, state home secretary Upendra Nath Behera declined having any information about it. “The state government has no information about the Maoists holding the 'Praja' court. I hope the Maoists would take into consideration our offer to drop cases against 13 CMAS members and release the MLA soon,” the home secretary said.
Meanwhile, the Gajapati district and sessions court on Thursday declined the bail petition of Arati Majhi in two cases. Majhi, along with Gananath Patra, was among the persons the Maoists had demanded to be released in exchange of the abducted Italian tour guide Paolo Bosusco. Sources say that developments in Arati Majhi's case would impact the release of Hikaka.
Tara Prasad Bahinipati, former Congress MLA from Koraput, has appealed to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for the cases against the octogenarian CMAS leader Gananath Patra to be withdrawn on humanitarian grounds.
Meanwhile, Chenda Bhusanam alias Ghasi, has appealed to the Maoists to immediately release Hikaka on humanitarian grounds without causing him any harm. The Maoists had dropped the name of Ghasi, accused in several incidents of violence, from their demands of the list of rebels to be freed in exchange of the legislator. The Supreme Court on Thursday sought response from the Centre and Odisha government on a petition by Major General (Retd) Gangurdep Bakshi to refrain from the release of jailed Maoists in exchange of Hikaka. A bench of Justice TS Thakur and Gyansudha Misra asked the respondents to file a reply within two weeks and asked Odisha government whether it was releasing the Maoists on bail or was acquiting them. Hikaka was abducted by the rebels of the Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) on 23 March.
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