The Orissa government on Wednesday announced the dropping of prosecution against 13 of 17 members of the Maoist-backed Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS) to facilitate the release of abducted ruling BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka.
The announcement came Wednesday evening after the Maoists refused a further extension of the deadline for fulfilment of their demands.
“The state government had agreed to facilitate the release of 17 members of CMAS and eight Maoists from jail.
In the meantime, seven CMAS members have applied for bail. Arugu Sirika and Roopana Huluka have already been released. In the case of Dhana Hantal and Dora Hantala, bail has been granted and they would be out of jail after furnishing the surety.
Two cases each are pending against Rabi Tandig, Wadeka Diba and Nachika Suba,” the home secretary said, adding that in case of the remaining persons bail petitions shall be filed very soon.
Meanwhile, Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik, who was in New Delhi, appealed to the Maoists hours ahead of the deadline.
“I appeal to the Maoists who are holding the young MLA to release him safe... Release him immediately in good health and unharmed,” Mr Patnaik said. He added that Mr Hikaka had informed him that he was in good health when he spoke to Orissa chief secretary and Koraput district collector J.S. Ramachandra on Tuesday.