Italians abduction: Anti Naxal ops come to a hault

The anti-Naxal operations in Odisha have come to a halt following abduction of two Italian tourists by the Maoists who demanded suspension of offensive against the extremists and release of some of their colleagues besides placing other demands.

Home Ministry officials said after the abduction of the two Italians, no combing operation has been carried out against the Naxals as both the Central and state governments wanted to go cautiously about the issue.

"However, no formal order has been given to the Central paramilitary forces engaged in anti-Naxal operations as they operate under the state government's command. They are where they should be," an official said.

The forces are still in their respective locations and would not leave the area till the crisis is resolved. According to a report reaching the Home Ministry, the Maoists have demanded release of some of their colleagues currently in different Odisha jails in return for the release of the two Italians, apart from placing other demands, including immediate halt to anti-Naxal operations.

"Though the Odisha government is in regular touch with the Centre, the state government has not conveyed officially to the Home Ministry on any of the demand of the Maoists," the official said.

Two Italian tourists have been abducted in the tribal-dominated Ganjam district  bordering Kandhamal by Maoists who demanded an immediate halt to operations against them by security forces.