Author: CNN-IBN
Publication: IBNLive.com
Date: April 10, 2012
URL: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/odisha-police-up-in-arms-over-release-of-naxals/247215-3.html
 
The Odisha police association on Monday threatened to boycott duty in Maoist-infested areas if the government releases hardcore Maoists. This comes after the Odisha government bowed down before the Maoists and announced that it would release 27 Maoists to in exchange for Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Jhina Hikaka and Italian national Paolo Bosusco.

CNN-IBN had earlier reported that the security forces were unhappy over the decision of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to fulfill the demands of the Maoists.

CNN-IBN had visited a base camp of the India Reserve Battalion in Kandhamal to gauge the mood and found that several groups of security personnel might go on protest against the decision once the hostages were released.

When the news of the government agreeing to release Maoists spread, the security men were in utter shock. At the base camp of India Reserve Battalion, the mood was absolutely that of frustration. Though no one agreed to officially speak in front of the camera, but off the record they admit that their morale was absolutely shattered.

The Odisha government, meanwhile, "advised" the two Maoist groups to move bail pleas for quick release of the Maoists sought.

Since their release from jail involves judicial process of grant of bail by concerned courts, the detainees have to file their bail applications, Home Secretary U N Behera, who had led the three-member government side in talks with Maoist-named mediators for release of Bosusco, said on Monday night.

Referring to Maoists' suggestion that the MLA's wife should go to Balipeta village in Koraput district with the detainees of CMAS and CPI (Maoist) for hand over of Hikaka, Behera said "it is advised that steps be taken on behalf of the 23 detainees to file their bail petitions."

Bail petitions in respect of those who are to be released from jail for Italian's freedom may also be filed.

Asserting that the government has given commitment on release of prisoners for freedom of both the MLA and Italian, he said "we hope the captors will release the two hostages immediately, unharmed and in good health."

On the abductors of Bosusco asking the government to clarify how many ultras it would free, the home secretary said it appears the contents of the joint statement signed by the government representatives and Maoist mediators have not reached Sabyasachi Panda, Secretary of Odisha State Organising Committee of Maoists.

Meanwhile, with the abductors of Hikaka demanding release of hardcore Naxal Chenda Bhusanam alias Ghasi, an accused in the killing of at least 55 security personnel, the Odisha government has sought opinion of the state police on the matter.