Andhra Orissa Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC), which along with Srikakulam-Koraput Divisional Committee, engineered the kidnapping of BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka, on Tuesday issued a fresh ultimatum to the state government to fulfil all its demands by Thursday evening.
In an audio-tape released to the media here, the ABOSZC secretary Chandramauli said the organisation extended the deadline by another 48 hours “with a hope that the government would take proactive steps to meet the legitimate demands of the rebels.”
He cautioned the government not to make any “misadventure” that could jeopardise the legislator’s security.
“As informed earlier, our principal demands include release of Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS) members from jails and drop false charges levelled against them,” said the rebel leader. The AOBSZC also released a letter written by Jhina Hikaka to the press. The letter is addressed to the chief minister Naveen Patnaik.
In the letter, the legislator said, “Since I am a tribal, no effort is being made to save my life. For my early release, the government should fulfil all the demands of the rebels. Otherwise, I will be forced to quit my Assembly membership.”
The MLA urged chief minister Naveen Patnaik to immediate steps for his freedom. Mr Hikaka was abducted by the Maoists on March 24 while returning from Koraput after attending a party meeting.
Soon after Chandramouli’s audio-tape and the MLA’s letter were released to the press, chief minister Naveen Patnaik convened a high-level meeting to discuss the situation. No information was shared with the media as to what transpired in the meeting.
As regards Basusco Paolo, an Italian citizen held hostage by another group of rebels in Kandhamal forests, no information on his release was available.