Odisha govt needs more time, Maoist mediators leave

After word that a 'broad arrangement' had been reached on fulfilling the demands of the rebels for the release of Italian Paolo Bosusco, the two Maoist mediators on Saturday left after 10 days of talks, stating that the Odisha government needed time, but promised to be back when needed.

"The issues are complicated and the talks are yet to yield results. Since the government needs more time to examine the demands, we need not wait here. We are returning," said Maoist-nominated mediators B D Sharma and Dandapani Mohanty.

They said, "Whenever the government needs our assistance, we will be back.

"We appeal to the Odisha State Organising Committee of CPI (Maoist) to free the Italian on basic human considerations," they said.

They said that of the 13 demands made by the Maoists, particularly Operation Green Hunt, liquor and tourism and acquisition of tribal land were discussed.

The talks began on March 22, but were held effectively for five days and remained suspended for the next five days. The mediators had held a 90-minute meeting late last night on the demands made by Maoists.

An official had said that though what exactly transpired was not clear, both sides were believed to have arrived at 'some broad arrangement' on the fulfillment of some of the rebels' demands including release of ultras.

Home Secretary U N Behera, who was leading the state representatives in talks with rebel mediators, said "Negotiations are on. We are examining the Maoist demands and have apprised the mediators about the position."

On the other hand, the Maoist-backed Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh, which has been invited for talks by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik last night for the release of
Biju Janata Dal legislator Jhina Hikaka, was yet to respond.

The Maoists, who abducted Hikaka, have ruled out the appointment of mediators for negotiation.

"While the chief minister invited the CMAS to join talks for the release of the Laxmipur MLA from the captivity of Maoists, there has been no response from them so far," a senior official said.

"We hope to hear from them and are waiting. The CMAS should come forward for talks as the demands made by the abductors of the MLA relate to demands made by them," he said.

"Since the whole issue is highly sensitive, it needs to be discussed face to face in order to arrive at a solution," said another official.

Paolo Bosusco, who is a tour operator based in Puri, was abducted along with 61-year-old Italian tourist Claudio Colangelo by Maoists while trekking in Kandhamal district on March 14.

Though Colangelo was released by the abductors on March 25 as a goodwill gesture, Bosusco was still in the captivity of Maoists.

Hikaka was kidnapped on March 24 when he was returning home to Laxmipur from Koraput after a political meeting.