In Odisha, Maoist have released abducted Biju Janata Dal, BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka today. The MLA from Laxmipur in tribal-dominated Koraput district was kept in the captivity of the Maoists for 34 days. He was handed over in good health to his wife Koushalya and lawyer Nihar Ranjan Patnaik at Balipeta in Maoist-hit Narayanpatna of Koraput district. The Maoists agreed to release the MLA with the condition that he would resign as an MLA and disassociate himself with all the activities of his party, the ruling Biju Janata Dal.The first-time BJD MLA was kidnapped by Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee of CPI (Maoist) in his home district of Koraput on 24th of last month. The Maoists then demanded that 29 under-trial prisoners in Odisha jails be released and cases against them be withdrawn in exchange for the MLA's freedom. However, the Odisha Government agreed to withdraw cases against only 13 under-trial prisoners and release 25 of the 29 under-trial prisoners on bail.The release of BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka has brought a sigh of relief not only to his family members of but the state administration which had been under tremeondous pressure from different sections for release of the tribal legislator. After being released, a tired-looking Hikaka said the waiting media persons that he is in good health and the Maoists behaved well during the hostage period. The ultras shifted him to two to three unknown places during the captivity. On his undertaking to the Maoists for his resignation as MLA and his political party, the BJD, Hikaka said it would be only known in the near future. The BJD MLA left for Koraput along with his wife Koushalya and lawyer Nihar Ranjan Patnaik by road to meet senior officials and his party MP and MLAs.Maoists had released Hikaka when their single-point of demand, release of 29 under-trial prisoners of Chasi Mulia Adviasi Sangh and CPI (Maoist), has not been met by the Odisha Government. All eyes are now on freed BJD MLA Hikaka and if at all he is going to abide by the Maoists who had asked him to resign.