In Odisha, Maoists cut-off the road link between Malkangiri and Jeypore today by felling trees and digging a culvert near Gobindpalli ghati on the Malkangiri-Jeypore road. They also left a number of posters in Telugu on the spot asking the Odisha Government to meet their demands in lieu of releasing abducted Malkangiri District Collector, R. V. Krishna.The Odisha Government is yet to trace IAS officer Krishna and another Junior Engineer who were abducted on Wednesday evening. The Maoists have given 48-hour deadline to the Odisha Government to meet their demands in lieu of freeing Krishna.Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told media persons at Bhubaneswar today that efforts are on to free the Malkangiri district magistrate and the junior engineer from the clutch of Maoists. He said the Government is also examining demands made by the Maoists through the media. Maoists are demanding ending of combing operations against them, release of jailed Maoists and removal of BSF camps.Meanwhile, the Odisha Assembly session was today adjourned till 3 PM over the abduction issue and 'dal scam'. Opposition Congress and ruling BJD members tussled right on the Speaker's podium. The opposition Congress and BJP members have been demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over both the issues.
News On AIR | February 18, 2011 12:30 PM
Odisha Govt decides to negotiate with Maoists for release of Krishna