Odisha Hostage crisis: Naxals Deadline ends today

Bhubaneswar, Apr 10: The top Maoists leader Sabyasachi Panda 's wife was acquitted by a local Odisha court. The Odisha government is still struggling to find a way out to end hostage crisis as the deadline set by Maoists to release 30 Maoists in exchange of Italian tourist ends on Tuesday, Apr 8.

On Mar 24, Jhina Hikaka, Biju Janata Dal legislator was abducted by the Maoists group. The group has demanded the release of five more prisoners and also asked Hikaka's wife to come along with prisoners who will be released by the government to receive the legislator.

"There should be no involvement of police and intelligence wings in this process," said Jagabandhu, a leader of the group.

Meanwhile, the group who abducted the Italian tour operator Bosusco Paolo, has demanded the release of 3 prisoners. But the government has made it clear that they will not release any hard core Maoists.

"We will strongly oppose if the government released hardcore Maoists. If necessary we will stop working in Maoist affected areas," said Sabarmal Sharma, President of Odisha Police Association.

OneIndia News