Tribals appeal to Maoists for Krishna''s release

Baripada (Orissa), Feb 17 (PTI) Tribals in Orissa''sMayurbhanj district today joined others in appealing toMaoists to release the abducted Malkangiri Collector and ajunior engineer.

About 300 tribals, including women, assembled in anAnganwadi centre at Sorishpala of the district and soughtearly release of R V Krishna, calling him tribal-friendly whoworked for them when he was posted as Assistant Collector inBangiriposhi block in 2006.

Krishna used to visit their villages in the foothills ofthe Similipal Tiger Reserve by motorbike and tried to solvetheir problems, they said.

He has taken up programmes like identification of orphansand their rehabilitation, construction of roads and digging ofcanals in inaccessible areas of the tribal-dominated areas.

"We fervently appeal to the abductors to ensure safe andearly release of the tribal-friendly administrator," theyadded.