Chief Secy had phone conversation with Hikaka

BHUBANESWAR: In a positive development in the hostage crisis, chief secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik had a telephonic conversation with abducted Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA from Laxmipur Jhina Hikaka.  The MLA is also reported to have spoken to Koraput district collector JS Ramchandra and BJD MP from Koraput Jayram Pangi. Responding to the latest audio tape of the Andhra Orissa Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC), the State Government on Tuesday again released the list of 25 prisoners containing the names whose release the State Government has agreed to facilitate for Hikaka.  The names are, Rupuni Sirika, Miniaka Sandal, Miniaka Jama, Saura Kartasiya, Nachika Suba, Wadeka Diba, Rabi Tandingi, Dhana Hantal, Dora Hantal, Ramesh Nachika, Huluku Kesaba, Ina Tandingi, Rupana Huluka, Argu Sirika, Bijaya Tandingi, Narsi Kendruka, Joruka Kendruka, Murla Neelam Reddy, Setu Pangi, Deba Madhi, Ganga Sodi, Bhima Padiami, Mangaraj Darua, Suka Nachika and Chakra Tandingi.  In the audio tape, the AOBSZC had asked the State Government to make the make its stand clear on the release of 29 people to secure freedom for the 37-year-old Laxmipur MLA. “The government has already declared that it would facilitate release of 25 persons including 17 members of Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS and eight of CPI (Maoist),” said Pradip Kumar Jena, one of the three State Government representatives who negotiated with Maoist mediators in Italian hostage crisis.  Having made its stand known, the State Government is now waiting for a response from the Maoists, who had abducted Hikaka on March 24 and have been insisting on complete withdrawal of cases against rebels whose release had been demanded.  But uncertainty persisted over the release of the BJD legislator as members of both CMAS and CPI (Maoist) still continued to be rigid in their demand for withdrawal of charges slapped against them instead of opting for bail route.  “I doubt if the Maoists and CMAS members will accept the proposal of the state government. They have been very particular about withdrawal of cases,” said Nihar Ranjan Patnaik, the Koraput based lawyer of CMAS and CPI (Maoist).    Meanwhile, CMAS co-advisor Dandapani Mohanty visited Laxmipur and met Hikaka’s wife Kaushalaya Majhi.