Odisha hostage crisis: Cops to boycott Maoist-hit areas if hardcore ultras released

Bhubaneshwar, Apr 10 (ANI): Odisha Police Association (OPA) has threatened to boycott anti-Naxal operations if hardcore Maoists are freed by the state government in a bid to end the hostage crisis.

As the deadline set by both the groups for meeting their demands ends today, the state government sought opinion of the police on the release of hardcore Maoists as sought by the abductors.

"We will oppose tooth and nail any move to free hardcore Maoists. If necessary, we will launch a vigorous agitation to prevent their release," OPA President Sawarmal Sharma told reporters

Odisha Government on Thursday announced the names of the 27 persons, who will be released in exchange for the abducted Biju Janata Dal MLA Jhina Hikaka and an Italian from the captivity of the Maoists.

The eight Maoists to be released by the Odisha Government are Narsi Kendruka, Joroka Kendruka, Teba Madhi, Ganga Sodi, Bheema Padyaami, Mangraj Darua, Murla Neelam Reddy and Setu Bongi,

The 15 members of the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh to be released are Rupuni Sereka, Minyaka Sandal, Maniyaka Jama, Saura Kartasiya, Nachika Subba, Vadeka Dibba, Rabi Tadingi, Dhana Hantal, Dora Hantal, Ramesh Nachika, Huluku Kesaba, Ina Tadingi, Rupana Huluka, Argu Sereka and Bijay Tadingi.

Boscusco Paolo was kidnapped along with fellow Italian named Clandio Colangilo. The latter was released by the Maoists last month after spending 11 days in captivity.ikaka was kidnapped near Toyaput after a large group of armed men stopped him as he was being driven through a hilly area some 500 kilometres away from Bhubaneswar on March 24.

Hikaka's kidnappers have warned that the life of the tribal MLA could be in danger if the government attempts to search or secure his release through a security operation.

The statement in Telugu listed demands, including a halt to combing operations and release of several rebels and tribals lodged in jails in Koraput, Malkangiri and Berhampur. Refusing to hold talks through mediators on their demands for release of Hikaka, it asked the state government to make known its stand through media. (ANI)