Odisha hostage crisis: Mediators seek CM's intervention

Unable to find a conclusion through negotiations with government officials on the efforts to secure release of the remaining Italian hostage, the two Maoist nominated mediators today sought Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik's intervention to resolve the issue.

Unable to find a conclusion through negotiations with government officials on the efforts to secure release of the remaining Italian hostage, the two Maoist nominated mediators on Tuesday sought Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik's intervention to resolve the issue.

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"We have handed over a memorandum to government negotiators addressed to the chief minister. We have given our views on different demands made by Maoists. As there are some difference of opinions over the demands, we have sought the chief minister's intervention," Maoist mediators BD Sharma and Dandapani Mohanty told reporters in Bhubaneswar.

Stating that the issues associated with the release of Italian hostages were complex, the mediators said they had been holding talks with the government negotiators for four days.

"We have identified certain issues which need the chief minister's intervention. The issues are policy related and basic problems of tribal people," Sharma said without giving details.

Replying a question, Mohanty said the health of the lone Italian hostage Paolo Bosusco was fine. "There is nothing to worry about Basusco's health."

Release of persons booked in fresh cases by police even after acquittal by courts, withdrawal of false cases against about 15 persons and some local issues were prime demands for release of the lone Italian national, Mohanty said.

Home secretary UN Behera who is leading the government team said: "The negotiations will resume tomorrow."