Malkangiri Collector abduction: Talks between mediators, govt. begin

Bhubaneswar, Feb 20 (ANI): Formal talks between Orissa Government and mediators, Professors Hargopal and R Someswar Rao started here today to release Malkangiri District Collector R V Krishna and junior engineer Pabitra Majhi from the Maoists.

Orissa Home Secretary UN Behera and other senior officials are holding talks with both the negotiators over demands put forward by the Maoists.

The negotiators are also likely to meet Orissa Chief Secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik.

Before the beginning of the talks, Prof Hargopal told media persons that they will not put any pressure either on the Maoists or the State Government.

"We have to still meet the government and then you give us some time, definitely we'll talk to you tomorrow," he added.

"We are not under any pressure; we are the mediators of both the government and the Maoists. We will see both the sides and then we will see how the problem can be resolved," said Someswara Rao.

The Maoists want two of their jailed leaders - Ghanti Prasadam and Sriramulu Srinivas - to represent the party in the negotiation process.

The ultras extended the deadline on Friday night following an appeal from the state government even as they exploded a landmine on a key road snapping links between Malkangiri district and rest of Orissa.

After halting anti-Maoist operations since Thursday - one of the conditions the rebels had laid down for the release of the officials - the Orissa government is now considering their other demands and looking forward to see if the rebels come with any concrete proposal.

The Orissa Government had earlier informed that the abducted duo were safe and in good health.

Krishna, who was on his way back after attending a health camp in Chitrakonda, has been missing since Thursday evening.

The Maoists had earlier sent a note through a junior engineer accompanying Krishna demanding immediate halt to Operation Green Hunt and release of jailed Maoists. (ANI)