Dont buy time: Maoists

BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday called upon the abductors of BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka to come forward for negotiations even though the Maoist group had on Monday announced that they would not name any mediator for talks.He hoped that the Maoists would announce the names of their negotiators quickly so that the discussion for the release of Hikaka could start immediately.Naveen issued a fresh appeal for the release of the Laxmipur MLA and said the Government mediators are ready for talks. Responding to a demand of the Maoists, Naveen announced that there would be no coercive action unless the ultras indulged in violence and unlawful activities. He, however, maintained that the Maoists have resorted to  violence during the last few days by killing a sub-inspector of police in Malkangiri district while several police personnel were also killed in landmine blast.The three Government mediators negotiating for the release of the Italian national would most probably carry on talks for Hikaka’s release if the kidnappers respond.The Maoists have placed several demands before the Government for the release of the MLA. The demands include halting combing and Greenhunt operations, intelligence collection and withdrawal of all police camps. The ultras have cautioned the Government not to buy time or use police to harm them.The ultras have also demanded stopping of rallies  for the release of the MLA, besides seeking the unconditional release of the members of the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS) and other Maoists confined in Koraput and Malkangiri jails.In the Assembly also, Naveen said all the demands are being examined.Refuting Opposition allegations that the Government has not implemented any demand after the release of then Malkangiri Collector Vineel Krishna, Naveen said the Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) of Odisha has recommended inclusion of Nokadora and Kondadora in the Scheduled Tribe list.He said the Government has referred the recommendation of the TAC to the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry for its acceptance. Referring to the demand on the alienation of tribal land, Naveen said the  Government has set up a high-level committee and action will be taken based on its recommendations.The Chief Minister appealed to the Maoists on behalf of the BJD to release the MLA unharmed. This sparked off protest from the Congress and BJP MLAs who wanted the House to send a unanimous appeal.Naveen also ignored the charges of a pact between the BJD and the CMAS for the post of zilla parishad president of Koraput district resulting in Congress walkout from the House.