Maoists sets new demands for official's release

Ranchi, Feb 19: Just when the stage seemed set for the release of the kidnapped Block Division Officer (BDO), Prashant Kumar Layek, the Maoists came up with new demands for his release on Thursday, Feb 18.

It has been reported that Maoists have sought immediate release of jailed villagers who have been branded as Maoists sympathisers, along with the release of civil defence group chief.

The Naxals have also sought the arrest of Nagrik Suraksha Samiti (NSS) president Shankar Hembrom and others. The NSS was formed to deal with the Maoists activities at the village level.

In its previous demand the rebels demanded the release of 14 jailed villagers who were falsely implicated, including three of its members in exchange for the kidnapped official's release.

The state government had agreed to their demand and had started the legal proceedings for their release, when the Maoists came up with their new demands.

Chief Minister Shibu Soren had informed about the government's decision to agree to the Maoists demand after Layek wife Julie Bharathi threatened to immolate herself and her four-year-old daughter infront of his residence, if the Maoists harm her husband.