The 13 day hostage crisis in Chhattisgargh is over with the release of abducted Sukma Collector Alex Paul Menon by Maoists this evening. Talking to eagerly waiting news persons after reaching at Chintalnar, Menon said he is feeling relieved and he is fine.
He thanked the mediators of both the sides, the state Government , Chief Minister and his seniors and his friends and family for their unstinted support to him in getting his release from the maoists. He said, he will work wherever his government tells him to work. The tired Collector said that first he will go back to his home and he will speak tomorrow.
AIR correspondent says, the high drama started with the two mediators -Dr.B.D.Sharma and Professor Hargopal – flown to Chintalnar by helicopter today amidst speculation of his release by the ultras. The delay in his release caused concern but his release finally came through around 6.30 PM. The Maoists handed over Menon to their mediators in an undisclosed location in the jungle of Tadmetla in the Sukma district.
As per its commitment, the state government has ordered the constitution of the high powered standing committee to review all cases of persons for whom investigation and prosecution is pending in Chhattisgarh jails, including the maoist related cases.
Disclosing this at a press conference, Chief minister Dr. Ramans Singh expressed his satisfaction over the release of Menon and thanked all those who worked for the release of the collector. Welcoming the development Dr. Singh said that his government will proceed in this direction to ensure peace and progress in the state.
The committee headed by Mrs. Nirmala Buch, one of the government negotiators and the former chief secretary of Madhya Pradesh along with the chief secretary and the D.G. Police of Chhattisgarh as members shall regularly review all cases of persons in jails in the state where investigation and prosecution is still in progress.
The agreement says, in such review, the list of cases received by the mediators in respect of tribals of Bastar and surrounding areas shall be given priority and the committee will give its recommendation to the state government to consider those cases with a sense of urgency.
Menon was abducted by the Maoists on the 21st of April, while he was holding a meeting in Majhipara village in Sukma district. He went there on a motor cycle and two of his body guards were gunned down by the Ultras.
