MLA abduction: Maoists set April 5 deadline for Orissa Government

Bhubaneswar, Apr.3 (ANI): Maoists in Orissa have reportedly released an audio tape in which they have set an April 5 deadline for the state government to meet their demands if the latter wants the safe release of Biju Janata Dal MLA Jhina Hikaka.

The secretary of the Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee, Chandramouli, reportedly released the audio tape to the media.

Earlier, listing the conditions for participating in talks with the state government for Hikaka's release, the Maoist outfit's President Nachika Linga Linga, who has been on the run since 2009, said in a statement to the media that all cases against him would have to be withdrawn, all jailed CMAS members released and anti-Maoist operations halted. (ANI)