Maoist abduction: Kanungo refuses to negotiate

Biswapriya Kanungo, who has been named as the mediator by Maoists to hold talks with the Odisha government over the release of two Italian kidnapped nationals, has refused to hold talks, saying that he would negotiate only if the state government also asks him to do so. It is learnt that Maoists have made 13 demands in lieu of the release of abducted tourists. The Italian Prime Minister also urged the Indian government to ensure safe release of the abducted Italians.