Maoists extend deadline for MLAs release

The state government had objected to Ghasis release saying getting him out would break the police morale. Ghasi,accused in 60-odd cases in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa,was arrested in April 3 last year. The Orissa Police Association had threatened to boycott anti-Maoist operations if Ghasi was freed to secure the release of the 37-year-old Laxmipur legislator. The police have also objected to the release of Maoist cadres like Suno Pangi,who is the love interest of CMAS leader Nachika Linga,as well as adviser of CMAS Gananath Patra.

The Maoists,however,stuck to their condition of a prisoner-hostage exchange and made it clear that they want the abducted MLAs wife,Koushalya,and Nihar Patnaik to come to Balipeta village in Narayanpatna block with the 29 freed rebels to release Hikaka.

The CMAS on Sunday held a meeting at Balipeta where over 500 of their supporters and families of the 29 persons whom the Maoists want released,were present. Maoist interlocutor Dandapani Mohanty was present in the meeting.

The Maoists have made it clear that they would not file bail applications for the release of their cadres and CMAS members and instead pressed for total withdrawal of cases as happened in the case of Vineel Krishna abduction case last year.

Last year,the government had to withdraw the case against Maoist ideologue Ganti Prasadam alias Ravanna,a close friend of CPIMaoist central committee member Ramakrishna for Krishnas release. Ganti Prasadam and others,including the wife of Ramakrishna,were arrested in 2010 at Semiliguda area of Koraput district by the police.

Factionalism among rebels to the fore
Berhampur: Factionalism among Maoists has came to the fore with a rebel CPIMaoist venting his anger against Telugu and Chhattisgarh cadres. They torture Oriya cadres. They give poor food,torn uniforms and damaged shoes to Oriya cadres, said Nikhil,spokesman of Vansadhara Division Committee of CPIMaoist in letters to the media. He alleged that Telugu and Chhattisgarh cadres had killed Oriya Maoist Rabi two months ago in the forest near Kerubadi in Kandhamal district when he opposed the discrimination.

PTI

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