Dandapani calls for restraint

BHUBANESWAR: That CPI (Maoist)’s Odisha State Organisation Committee secretary Sabyasachi Panda stands isolated on the abduction of the Italians was clear when rebels gunned down a police officer in Malkangiri on Thursday.It meant his call for unilateral ceasefire in the wake of negotiation for the release of the hostages has gone unheeded. Or rather made a mockery of it.What it means is there is no support for Panda or his activities from other Maoist outfits operating in the State. When it was pointed out to Dandapani Mohanty, one of the negotiators chosen by the Maoists, he said he would appeal to all the cadres and outfits not to indulge in violence or any such provocative activities.“The Italians were our guests and we are trying to resolve the issue through negotiation. I would appeal to Maoists or even lumpen characters not to indulge in provocative or violent acts when the talks are on,” he said. Mohanty specifically made appeals to Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (that has control over Malkangiri region) and Mainpur Division of Chhattisgarh to refrain from any violent activities.Mohanty also criticised both the Centre and the State governments for acting in an irresponsible way. It is unfortunate that the Centre is using unmanned aerial vehicles to keep a tab on Panda and his cadres, he said.Despite the State Government’s call for no coercive action, he said, the security forces detained three persons granted bail by Daringibadi JMFC Court. The three were on the way to their village when the security personnel held them along with their bailor which is unfortunate, he added.During the negotiation process, the other interlocutor BD Sharma said, all demands would be taken up. Modalities will be discussed on Friday when the Government responds to the demands. “A clear picture will emerge when we resume the talks,” he said.