Maoist-backed org lays down demands for talks

Maoist-backed Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh chief wants cases against him withdrawn

PTI | April 2, 2012



Three days after the Odisha government invited it for talks for release of abducted BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka, Maoist-backed Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh on Monday said it was willing to do so if certain conditions were fulfilled.

Listing the conditions for participating in the talks for Hikaka's release, outfit President Nachika Linga Linga, on the run since 2009, said in a statement to the media that all cases against him would have to be withdrawn, all jailed CMAS members released and anti-Maoist operations halted.

Alleging that many CMAS members were in Koraput jail on 'false charges' for a very long time, Linga, said if the conditions were fulfilled the Sangh would mediate for the release of 37-year-old Laxmipur MLA Hikaka, who was abducted on March 24.

After fulfilment of its demands, the CMAS would discuss the matter with tribal groups like Niyamgiri Surakshya Parishad, Mali Parbat Surakshya Parishad, Noka Dora and Konda Reddy before talks with government, he said.

The state government was yet to respond to Linga's conditions.

"We have taken note of the statement by the CMAS leader to the media. It is being examined," a senior official said.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had invited the CMAS after Maoist-nominated mediators, B D Sharma and Dandapani Mohanty, who took part in inconclusive talks for 10 days for the release of Bosusco, left on Saturday saying they were leaving as the government required more time.

Meanwhile, back channel efforts were underway by the state government to free Italian Puri-based tour operator, Paolo Bosusco, official sources said.

While Italian tourist Claudio Colangelo was released on March 25 as a 'goodwill gesture', Bosusco was still in the captivity of Maoists. They were kidnapped on March 14 while trekking in Kandhamal district.

A government official said as the Maoists have demanded release of about 40 jailed rebels, it would take some time to form a view on the issue after thorough examination.

"We are examining how the process can be initiated," he said.

Another government official said the Maoists should honour the appeal made by Sharma and Mohanty for the release of Bosusco on humanitarian considerations.

While Koraput-Srikalulam Division of Maoists, which owned responsibility for abduction of the MLA, have refused talks through mediators, CMAS had earlier claimed that it had no role in the kidnapping of the legislator.

Comments

 

Other News

Who checks the books?

I read about the news about the Coimbatore library over coffee this morning. On the face of it, the headline was about a political ‘war’ between the DMK and TVK. But what stayed with me was something much more important than the blame game behind what had transpired. A writer walking through

Development paradox: Falling poverty miracle and an inequality problem

India’s reduction in poverty over the past decade is a development achievement of considerable significance. The World Bank’s April 2026 ‘India Development Update’ estimates that the share of Indians living below the international extreme-poverty line of $3.00 per person per day i

In Arunachal, a river we call mother

In Arunachal Pradesh, the Siang is not just a river. For many of us, especially the Adi people, it is part of our family. Our grandparents fished in it. Children learned to swim in it. Our farms drink from it. When someone says a huge dam will be built on it, we do not hear the word "project".

A new retelling of the Mahabharata delves into key moments

In a time when every decision carries consequences and questions of ambition, power, loyalty, identity and moral choice continue to shape our lives, Dr. Arun Krishnan’s new book, ‘Mahakshana’ (Penguin India) offers a strikingly relevant retelling of the Mahabharata.  

Cabinet approves viability gap funding to develop grid-scale energy storage systems

The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme for Development of Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems, with a total financial support of Rs.14,500 crore for the period FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31. The scheme aims to support the development o

Cabinet creates a pathway to absorb Agniveers in Defence Forces

An objective assessment in terms of organisational requirements and operational efficiency has brought out the outstanding performance of Agniveers in terms of skills, motivation levels, physical fitness and technological prowess. As envisaged earlier, based on merit, 25% of Agniveers will be offered reg

Upcoming Conferences



-->

Archives

Current Issue

Opinion

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Linkedin Subscribe Newsletter

Twitter