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Agnivesh appeals for collector's release
Swami Agnivesh, who Maoists wanted to be included among the mediators, on Thursday appealed for the release of Malkangiri district collector R V Krishna before this evening's deadline.
Swami Agnivesh, who Maoists wanted to be included among the mediators, on Thursday appealed for the release of Malkangiri district collector R V Krishna before this evening's deadline.
"I appeal to the Maoists to release Malkangiri collector before the deadline this evening ... After the release of Krishna if the Maoists want me for further negotiation, I am ready for that," Agnivesh said.
"I thank the Maoists for wanting my services but it is not possible on my part to reach Malkangiri by this evening," he said.
The fresh demands were sent in a letter by the Maoists through junior engineer Pabitra Majhi, abducted from Chitrakonda area along with Krishna but released on Wednesday.
Agnivesh said that the three mediators G Hargopal, R Someswar Rao and Dandapani Mohanty, have done a commendable job, because of which, Majhi was released.
The social activist also thanked the Orissa government for announcing that security forces would not take part in coercive action.
"This is an example for other states. The peace talks have become a model," he said.
