The Chhattisgarh government has appealed to the Maoists to ensure the safe release of the abducted Sukma District Collector Alex Paul Menon.

The appeal was made follwing a meeting of the cabinet sub-commettee on iternal security, chaired by Chief Minister Raman Singh in Raipur late last night.

The state government also requested the Maoists to set a practical deadline for the release of the collector which may ensure that the talks materialise in a positive atmosphere.

The earlier deadline set by the Maoists ended yesterday. The sub-committee reviewed the efforts made so far to secure the release of Mr. Menon as well as the preparation for the talks which are to begin soon.

The sub-committee expects the Maoists nominated mediators – Mr B.D.Sharma and Prof. Hargopal to arrive in Raipur today so that the modalities for the talks can be discussed.