Candle-light vigil held for abducted government officers

Hyderabad, Feb 20 (PTI) A candle-light vigil and aprocession were organised at the Hyderabad Central University(HCU) campus here today, in support of Malkangiri DistrictCollector Ravella Vineela Krishna and junior engineer PabitraMajhi, who have been abducted by the Maoists.

Around 100 participants which included students fromOrissa, urged the Maoists to release Krishna and Pabitraimmediately.

"It (kidnapping) is not a democratic way to put forththeir (Maoists'') demands. Krishna is a dedicated officer whohas worked for the welfare of tribal people in the backwardMalkangiri district," said Tapan, a participant.

He said they would also send a representation to theCentre and Orissa government tomorrow, requesting to securethe release of Krishna and Pabitra at the earliest.

Krishna, a 2005 batch IAS (Orissa cadre) officer, hailsfrom Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh.