Sukma Collector likely to release today

The 12 daylong hostages crisis is likely to end today, as the Maoist will release abducted Sukma collector Paul Menon today afternoon. Sources say that Naxals would release Menon before public in Tarmetia.

A Chhattisgarh government chopper today morning left Raipur for Tarmetla, where Maoist guerillas are expected to release the Sukma collector. Negotiators BD Sharma and G Hargopal left the state capita for Chintalnaar from where they will move in the jungles inside Tarmetla.

It is noted that four rounds of talk between Chhatisgarh government and Maoist held with mediator appointed by both.

In a message to media organisations displays that the rebels said Menon, in their captivity since April 21, would be handed over to Hargopal and Sharma in the presence of a gathering at Tarmetla.

Tarmetla in Sukma is where the Maoists had killed 76 paramilitary personnel in April 2010.

(With inputs from IANS)