Chief minister Naveen Patnaik who visited Koraput on Friday held a crucial meeting with local leaders where the back channel negotiation option figured, a senior official said.
Some elected representatives from Koraput were directed to explore contacts with the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS), a front organisation of the Maoists, for striking a deal with ultra group Andhra Pradesh Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) and to hold talks on other demands raised by them, the official said.
Some leaders have been entrusted with holding talks with top CMAS functionaries who in turn could negotiate with the AOBSZC holding 37-year-old Hikaka hostage and which has refused talks,another official said.
The AOBSZC has demanded release of 30 prisoners, including hardcore Maoist Chenda Bhusanam alias Ghasi, accused of killing 55 policemen in exchange for the freedom of the 37-year-old tribal legislator kidnapped on March 24 from Koraput district. "Direct negotiations would have facilitated the process," Home Secretary U N Behera said, adding no back channel contact with the abductors has been established so far.
No comments:
Post a Comment