Odisha govt. bows down just before the deadline; set to release 27 prisoners

Just before the deadline on Thursday evening, Odisha government has become ready to fulfill the demands of Maoists in exchange of securely release of an Italian hostage and a Biju Janta Dal (BJD) legislator from their captivity.

The Maoists have reportedly set a deadline of April 05, 2012 at 8 p.m. for releasing 27 prisoners including seven Maoist leaders for safely releasing one Italian tourist Bosusco Paolo, who had been kidnapped on March 14 and a BJD MLA and tribal leader Jhina Hikaka, who was abducted on March 23 by the Maoist.

The interlocutors who have been set for mediating between the government and Maoists have indicated it the government that Maoists were firm on its demand and were not likely to negotiate more over the set deadline.

The mediators have also conveyed a message of BJD MLA Jhina to the government in which Jhina has alleged the government to do nothing for releasing its own party member.

Earlier, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Pataink has asked the interlocutors to persuade Maoists for extending deadline.

-- With Agencies Input --