Don't look for abducted BDO: Maoists to Jharkhand

The Communist Party of India - Maoists on Monday warned the Jharkhand government to stop all search operations in Ghorabandha area for the abducted Block Development Officer from Monday night and fulfill their demands if it wants the safe release of the officer.

Rakeshji, spokesman of CPI-Maoist- Bengal-Orissa-Jharkhand Border Regional Committee, said over the phone, "We will not take responsibility of the abducted BDO's safety if police action is not stopped at Ghorabandha area from midnight tonight."

The spokesman assured that Prashant Kumar Layek, the BDO of Dalbhumgarh, "is safe and sound till now but his well being will depend on the Jharkhand government's response to their demands."

The Maoists are demanding the release of 13 villagers, who they claim were falsely implicated in cases, and clearance of outstanding wages of labourers engaged in projects under the NREGA.

On the Jharkhand government's offer of talks, Rakeshji said, "We are ready to talk with the government. But it is not possible if the combing operation is continued and extra security forces not withdrawn from the area."

The 37-year-old BDO was abducted at gun-point from his office by Maoists two days ago.