Maoists set terms for abducted cops’ release

A week after abducting five Chhattisgarh policemen, Maoists have put up 11 demands for their release without setting any deadline for the state to comply.

A week after abducting five Chhattisgarh policemen, Maoists have put up 11 demands for their release without setting any deadline for the state to comply.

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The rebels want the state to cancel memoranda of understanding with corporates, move security forces out of schools, halt the anti-Maoist ‘Green Hunt’ operation, release 15 villagers arrested after abduction of the policemen and give compensation to people whose dwellings were allegedly burnt or damaged by security personnel and Salwa Judum (a state-backed people’s militia against Maoists).

Among other demands, the Maoists also want plans for setting up an army training facility in the forested plateau of Abhujhmad in Narayanpur, south Chhattisgarh, abandoned.

But the state is yet to receive the Maoist wish-list. Inspector general of police (Bastar) TJ Longkumer told HT, “We came to know about Maoists demands through the media and are verifying them.”

The Maoists’ east Dandakaranya divisional committee spokesperson Niti conveyed the demands to mediapersons in Bastar through messengers late Tuesday night. He said the five abducted Chhattisgarh Armed Forces (CAF) personnel were safe and would be released after their conditions were met.

Maoists had abducted the five CAF personnel — three head constables and two constables — and a civilian from a bus in Nayaranpur on January 25. The rebels freed the civilian, Gulchand Patel (28), after three days.

Subsequently, Patel said the Maoists avoided keeping the abducted policemen at any place for more than a day.

Chief minister Raman Singh termed the abduction as inhuman act. “The abducted policemen should be released on humanitarian grounds.”