Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Monday said that the State government was trying its best to ensure safe release of the Sukma district Collector Alex Paul Menon who was abducted by Naxals on Saturday.
“The state government is exploring all better options to ensure safe release of the officer from Naxals and is taking all efforts in this regard,” he told reporters.
Mr. Singh said the State government has been in continuous touch with the Centre since the IAS officer was kidnapped on Saturday by the ultras from Majhipara village in Sukma district where he was attending a government outreach programme.
“All neighbouring States have been alerted about the abduction and there is better coordination in all the states.
“We are continuously in touch with the Centre,” the chief minister said.
He also informed that an all-party meeting has been convened in Raipur this evening and the suggestions emerging at the meeting could be helpful in ensuring the release of the collector.
Meanwhile, Additional Director General of Police Ram Nivas (anti-Naxal operations) said that the abducted IAS officer was “safe” even as his captors are frequently changing their hideouts.
“The state police is in touch with their counterparts from the bordering States,” he said, adding the security of the senior officers working in the Naxal-infested areas has been increased following the incident.
Maoists on Sunday set April 25 as deadline for the release of the IAS officer and demanded release of eight of their jailed leaders in Chhattisgarh in exchange of the collector’s freedom.
