In Odisha, the Maoists have agreed to free one of the Italian nationals from their captivity if talks with the Odisha Government move in a positive direction. They have also extended their deadline by 24 hours till today evening. They had given a deadline till last evening to the Odisha Government to start negotiontions to free the Italian nationals.

Meanwhile, an all party meeting has been convened by Speaker of Odisha Legislative Assembly to discuss the issue of abduction. Members of all the political parties expressed concern over the safety of the two Italians who are in the captivity of the Maoists since eight days.

The composition of negotiators on the Maoist side for the release of the two abducted Italians is facing a number of difficulties.

The Maoists have suggested the names of social activists BD Sharma and Prafulla Samantra as alternative after the Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik refused Narayan Sanyal’s name as a mediator. Naveen Patnaik had opposed Sanyal because he has been convicted of several times and presently in jail.

Another Maoists proposed mediator Biswapriya Kanungo has expressed his unwilllingness to negotiate on behalf of the Maoists. However, Samantara has also expressed his unwilling to take part in the negotiations process. He said he have been involved in democratic movements for land rights and against big companies, but the state government has no faith on him.

The Odisha Chief Minister had earlier urged the Maoist leadership to suggest two names in place of Sanyal and Kanungo to initiate talks to secure the release of Paolo Bosusco and Claudi Colangelo at earliest.