Maoists say Odisha MLA Jhina Hikaka will be tried on April 25

Bhubaneshwar, Apr 20 (ANI): The Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee, the Maoist group responsible for the abduction of Biju Janata Dal MLA Jhina Hikaka, released a fresh audio tape on Friday saying the MLA will be tried in a people's court on April 25.

"The MLA is safe and is with us. The praja court will take the final decision about him and that also would take time," the audio message sent to several TV channels said.

"We have given a shutdown call on April 21 and 22. The people are vehemently opposing the state government's offer and decisions. We will inform the media by April 25 about the final verdict of the praja court, which will be held one of these days. We have also decided to observe a protest week beginning April 24 to oppose Operation Greenhunt and recent heavy deployment of central forces in Chhattisgarh," the message read.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had 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.

"Our state government is facilitating bail for the CMAS members and for the Maoists, whose bails have been asked for, whose release have been asked for by the Maoists, who have abducted a young tribal MLA," said Patnaik.

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.

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)