Odisha MLA abducted by Maoists

While negotiations are still going on between the Maoists and the Odisha government over the two abducted Italians, the rebels have again kidnapped an MLA of the ruling Biju Janata Dal in Koraput district in the early hours today. While the personal security officer and driver of the MLA were allowed to leave, police said Mr. Jhina Hikaka was taken away into the nearby forest, at gunpoint. Commenting on the poor security arrangements Pradeep Majhi, an MP from Odisha said that the government needs to provide proper protections to the MPs and MLAs.