BHUBANESWAR: Uncertainty prevails over the release of Laxmipur MLA Jhina Hikaka, who is in captivity of the Maoists for the last 28 days even as the State Government on Saturday announced that steps have been initiated for withdrawal of prosecution against 13 persons. In a letter to the media on Saturday, Daya, secretary of Koraput-Srikakulum division of Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) of the CPI (Maoist), has demanded that all the members of Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS), who are in jail, should be released. “If the State Government is interested in freeing the MLA, it must release all of them,” he said. Stating that the CPI(Maoist) opposes the Government’s approach towards the hostage crisis, the Maoist leader criticised the delay caused by the State Government in releasing the prisoners. Demanding a complete halt to ‘Operation Greenhunt,’ Daya alleged that the Government has moved the Supreme Court through a retired Army officer to further delay the prospect of a solution to the hostage issue. Alleging that the State Government has done nothing for the release of the MLA, Daya appealed to the people from all walks of life from Narayanpatna and Bandgugaon to wholeheartedly support the bandh call given by the CPI(Maoist). Home Secretary U N Behera, however, said that the State Government is concerned about the release of the MLA and is making all efforts for an early solution to the crisis. It has been decided to facilitate the release of 17 activists of the CMAS and eight Maoists from jail, Behera said, adding that five of them have already been granted bail. However, no bail petition on behalf of the CMAS and the CPI(Maoist) were filed on Saturday.He said the bail petitions for the remaining persons should be filed early so that their release can be facilitated. The process of withdrawal of prosecution against 13 of the prisoners has been initiated, he said and renewed the appeal for the release of the MLA immediately. Sources, however, said the AOBSZC is unlikely to dilute its demand for the release of 29 prisoners of CMAS and CPI (Maoist) in exchange for Hikaka. One of their main demands was the release of co-adviser of CMAS Gananath Patro over which the State Government has not taken any decision so far.
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