Orissa abductions: Talks go slow

The Naveen Patnaik government seems to be prepared for a long haul over the release of Italian tourist operator Paulo Basusco and Laxmipur MLA Jhina Hikaka from Maoist captivity as talka between two Maoist-backed interlocutors and Orissa government for the release of the Italian tourist operator progressed at a slow pace.

The government,which wants to tire out Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda,on Tuesday seemed to have cold-shouldered Maoist-backed interlocutors B D Sharma and Dandapani Mohanty as the secretaries of home,panchayati raj and SC/ST development department reached late for discussion and left early. The interlocutors said they have given their points in writing which the government will reply during Wednesdays discussion.