Bihar Government talking to Maoists to release captured cops: Centre

New Delhi, Sep 2 (ANI): Union Home Secretary G K Pillai on Thursday said the Bihar Government is trying its best to secure the release of the four policemen kidnapped by Maoists from Lakhisarai District.

Talking to reporters here, Pillai said: "The state government has been making all efforts to secure the release of the police personnel who have been taken hostage and we are hopeful that there would be an outcome to the negotiations."

"The state government is now negotiating with the Maoists and, therefore, we are extending full cooperation. We hope that there would be a successful outcome," he added.

According to sources, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was also monitoring the progress of the operation with the CRPF.

Meanwhile, several political parties and organisations, besides the relatives have appealed to the ultras to ensure the unconditional release of the policemen.

The deadline set by Maoists for the release of their jailed comrades in exchange for kidnapped cops ends today.

The Naxals have threatened to kill the cops if their demands are not met. They want their jailed colleagues to be released and security forces withdrawn from Naxal areas.

The four policemen - Mohammad Ehsaan, Rupesh Kumar Sinha, Abhay Prasad Yadav, Lokus Tete- were taken hostage on Sunday, during an encounter in the forests of Lakhisarai. Seven other policemen were killed and eleven others were injured.

The encounter began on Sunday evening when over 150 armed Maoists attacked search teams of the Bihar police that were combing the area after intelligence reports of Maoists" presence in the forest. (ANI)