Odisha Govt. bows to Maoists demands, facilitates bail of CMAS members

Bhubaneswar, Apr 19 (ANI): Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday announced that his government is facilitating bail for the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS) members and for the Maoists, whose release have been asked for by the ultras, who have abducted the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Jhina Hikaka.

"Our state government is facilitating bail for the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS) members and for the Maoists, whose bails have been asked for, whose release have been asked for by the Maoists, who have abducted the honourable MLA Jhina Hikaka, a young tribal MLA," said Patnaik.

Making once again a fresh appeal to the Maoists to release the abducted MLA immediately and in good condition, Patnaik said: "I appeal again to the Maoists to release this young man, this young MLA, immediately and in good health. You can imagine how many days it's been and the deep concern and anxiety of his family and the concern and anxiety of all of us about his well-being and his safety. So, again I appeal to the Maoists to release this young MLA immediately."

The Supreme Court earlier today sought response from the Centre and the Odisha Government on a petition seeking to restrain the release of jailed Maoists in exchange for captive MLA Jhina Hikaka.

An apex court bench of Justices T S Thakur and Gyan Sudha Misra asked the respondents to file a reply within two weeks.

Meanwhile, Jhina Hikaka, 38, was produced by the Maoists in their people's court today, a day after the deadline to release him had ended.

It is reported that the Maoists of the Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) have started proceedings against Hikaka at a remote place in the Narayanpatna area of Koraput District.

However, it was yet to be confirmed as to when the praja court proceedings would be completed and the verdict about the MLA's fate be pronounced.

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)