BJD MLA’s wife appeals Maoists to release husband

Abducted BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka's wife Kaushlya Majhi has appealed the Maoists to release her husband unharmed. Majhi said that the Maoists had no reason to kidnap her husband as he is a tribal leader and has initiated many development works in the area. Meanwhile State Disaster Management Minister, S N Patro, and ST and SC Development Minister, Lal Bihari Himirika visited the residence of Hikaka to console his family members and give moral support. The kidnapping of the MLA has blocked efforts to free two Italians who were taken hostage on March 17 in Kandhamal as the interlocutors assigned by the Maoists, have declared suspension of negotiations with the Maoists.