Odisha Govt. makes fresh appeal to Maoists for MLA's release

Bhubaneswar, Apr 12 (ANI): Hours after the Maoists released Italian national Paolo Bosusco, the Odisha Government on Thursday evening made a fresh appeal to the ultras to release BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka from their captivity immediately unhurt and in good condition.

Odisha Home Secretary U N Behera informed that the Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee has released another communication relating to the release of Hikaka.

"The Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee has released another communication relating to the release of Jhina Hikaka, the honourable MLA of Lakshmipur. It is reiterated that bail petitions may be filed early to facilitate the release of 15 members of the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS) and eight members of the CPI (Maoist)," said Behera.

"The state government once again appeals to the abductors of Shri Jhina Hikaka, the honourable MLA of Lakshmipur, to release him immediately unhurt and in good condition," he added.

Behera further said Bosusco has arrived at Bhubaneswar in safe and healthy condition, and thanked the media and mediators for the safe release of the Italian national.

"Today the Odisha State Organizing Committee of the CPI (Maoist) have released the Italian national Paolo Bosusco and he has arrived at Bhubaneswar in safe and healthy condition. The state government thanks all concern including the media and the mediators, who have facilitated the release of Bosusco," he added.

Meanwhile, Hikaka's wife Kausaliya urged the state government to get her husband released as soon as possible.

"I just want to say that the decision taken by the government is very good. I would urge the government to get my husband released as soon as possible. It's been 20 days now, but there is no news about my husband. So, we are very sad," she said.

Kausaliya even requested the Maoists to set her husband free.

"I would request the Maoists to release my husband and I have full faith that they would do so," she added.

The Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee of CPI (Maoists) had earlier said Hikaka would not be released unless 30 ultras, including Chenda Bhusanam alias Ghasid, are freed.

The three-page letter in Telugu warned that the tribal MLA will be produced before a 'Praja Court' to decide his fate if the Odisha government further delays the release of 30 ultras.

Hikaka 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. (ANI)