Abducted cops: Maoists extend deadline,govt hopeful of release

Maoists have extended their 48-hour deadline by another 24 hours for the government to accept their demands in exchange for the release of policemen abducted on September 19

Maoists have extended their 48-hour deadline by another 24 hours for the government to accept their demands in exchange for the release of policemen abducted on September 19 in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. This came even as government officials appeared confident of ensuring their release after positive talks with the rebels.

Talks are on with the rebels through backdoor channels in which media personnel,few social activists and few local villagers are involved, an official source said.

ADG (intelligence) Girdhari Nayak,however,told The Indian Express,There are no talks as such. We are banking on Maoist ideologue Vara Vara Raos appeal to the Maoists to release the policemen. Maoists have extended their deadline by 24 hours.

ADG (Naxalite operations) Ramniwas and ADG Nayak held a meeting with district officials. We are confident something positive will emerge very soon, Ramniwas said after the meeting.

State Home Secretary N K Aswal said in Raipur that the outcome of talks has been positive so far,indicating that the abducted policemen could be released anytime Tuesday night or early Wednesday.

ASI Sukhruram Bhagat,constables Narendra Bhosale,Subhash Patre and B Toppo are in Maoist captivity. The rebels have been silent on whether another constable Dullaram Sodi who went missing on September 13 and a woman Kursam Jyoti were in their captivity although the police said so. Maoists have placed five demands for their release,including stopping of Operation Greenhunt,withdrawing paramilitary forces and releasing Naxalite leaders. Besides,they have also urged the government to initiate peace talks.