Italian hostage Paolo, Basusco who was released by Maoists after nearly a month, said, “I’m thankful to our ambassador for his assistance. I must thank the Oriya people for all their love they have given me all these years and the crucial time of my captivity. I have special love for Orissa and its people. They will always remain in my heart,” a visibly relaxed Mr Paolo, who worked as a tour operator in the state for over 22 years, told reporters upon his arrival here in Bhubaneswar.
He further stated, “I will go back to Italy. I do not know if I would ever visit Orissa again. But I will be missing the Oriya people, mostly the tribals who are very friendly and affectionate.”
The freed Italian national did not take any question on his experience in the Maoist camp. He was whisked away by the police just after answering two queries.
In the afternoon, Mr Bosusco along with Italian ambassador and consul-general flew to New Delhi from where he will be sent back to his country.
Mr Bosusco’s release brought a sigh a relief to the Orissa government.
“The state government is relieved that Basusco Paolo has been released. I appeal the Andhra-Orissa Border Special Zonal Committee of the Maoists to release BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka,” chief minister Naveen Patnaik said.
Italian ambassador Giacomo Sanfelice di Monteforte thanked Mr Patnaik for the safe release of Mr Bosusco.
“I would like to express gratitude to the chief minister Naveen Patnaik for all his assistance and cooperation for securing the release of Basusco Paolo,” the diplomat said.
Earlier, there were reports that the Maoists have set a new demand for the release of Aarti Majhi, a tribal girl arrested on charge of unlawful activities, before freeing Mr Bosusco.
There was a suspense over the release of the Italian hostage since Thursday morning with some reports suggesting that he might have been released on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, external affairs minister S.M. Krishna thanked Mr Patnaik for personal intervention in getting the Italian hostages released. Mr Krishna thanked the chief minister within hours of the release of Mr Bosusco “It is a very good development for enhancing the image of India as a safe and peaceful country,” Mr Krishna said.