The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh has expressed the hope that the abducted Collector of Sukma, Alex Paul Menon will soon be released. Talking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting today in Raipur, Dr. Singh said that all aspects including the implementation of the agreement that was arrived at yesterday by all the mediators in connection with the release of Mr. Menon, were discussed in the meeting.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister said that he is ready
for talks for the peaceful solution of the naxal problem in any forum, whenever the need arises. He said this during a courtesy meeting with all the four negotiators, Mrs. Nirmala Buch, Mr. S.K.Mishra, Dr. B.D.Sharma and Prof. Hargopal today in Raipur. He added that this historic agreement can be adopted as a model to solve the naxal problem at the national level as well.

The Chhattisgarh government had agreed yesterday to set up a high-powered standing committee within one hour of the release of Mr. Menon by the Maoists to regularly review all cases of persons in respect of whom investigation and prosecution is pending, including the Maoist related cases. As per the agreement, the Maoists’ negotiators Dr. B.D.Sharma and Prof. Hargopal have also appealed to the Maoists to ensure his safe return.