Release Italian tourists on humanitarian ground: Orissa CM to Maoists

They had come from Puri by a vehicle and had ventured into the forested area despite being warned of the Maoist menace by the Daringibadi police station,he said.

They were accompanied by a driver and cook,he said adding that the Maoists,however,released the two along with the vehicle.

Appealing to the Maoists to release the two Italians,Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said his government was open to “any kind of negotiation under the law”.

“I appeal to the Left-wing extremists to immediately release the foreign tourists on humanitarian ground. Orissa government is open to any kind of negotiation with the kidnappers under the law,” he said.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna spoke to Patnaik who briefed him on the efforts being made to secure the release of the hostages.

The Ministry of External Affairs is in touch with Italy to facilitate assistance through the authorities concerned and is keeping it informed about the latest developments in the abduction case,official sources said in Delhi.

The chief minister said the state government had also informed the Home Ministry about the incident.

“I reiterate my appeal to the Left-wing extremists not to take any drastic step. I also condemn this heinous crime. No one will condone this kind of act in a civil society,”

Patnaik said.

Italian Consul general Joel Melchiori rushed to Bhubaneswar and discussed the issue with Orissa authorities.

“We hope to solve the issue as soon as possible….and hopefully they will be rescued,” he said.

Setting a deadline for this evening,the Maoists demanded an immediate halt to combing operations by security forces and withdrawal of cases against tribals who,they claim,were arrested as Maoists.