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Odisha MLA Jhina Hikaka, kidnapped by Maoists more than a month ago, was released on Thursday.
The Maoists released the 37-year-old tribal legislator of the ruling Biju Janata Dal on the outskirts of Balipeta village in Koraput district, as per the decision taken earlier by a people's court.
Mr. Hikaka was received by wife Kaushalya Majhi and Nihar Ranjan Patnaik, a Koraput lawyer, when he walked out of a nearby forest area, accompanied by a large number of locals and activists of the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS).
The Maoists did not come to face the media teams at a mango orchard near the village, along with Ms. Majhi and Mr. Patnaik, and returned to their hideout after handing over custody of Mr. Hikaka to the villagers.
Mr. Hikaka told journalists that the Maoists treated him well. “They gave me things to eat that they themselves ate. They took good care of me.”
Asked whether he would resign from his post, he said he would abide by the decision taken by the people's court organised by his abductors.
According to the Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee of the CPI(Maoist), Mr. Hikaka had given a written undertaking in the people's court that he would resign from the Assembly and from the Biju Janata Dal to lead a normal life.
In the undertaking, Mr. Hikaka lamented that the State government had done little to secure his release.
Keywords: Jhina Hikaka, BJD MLA abduction, Odisha Maoists, Odisha Maoists crisis
The Maoists have done a good thing by releasing the MLA. This shows that they stand for the well being of Tribals. The Maoist is the result of the bad policies followed by the various governments. The government should make a detailed study why the Maoists enjoy good support among the lower class peoples, because they are fighting for the lower classes in the society.
A lot of heated arguments have taken place since the kidnapping of Odisha MLA Jhina Hikka by the Maoists. Arguments by the authorities in power mainly centred on taking stern against for the release of MLA. Some readers too echoed the same line of argument and asked the government to take strong action against the kidnapper. I also support them, but the question is: " Can the Maoists be quelled,crushed, destroyed or silenced by the state by means of police force ?". This is the most important question before the nation. Readers of this esteemed newspaper forget that the released MLA Jhina Hikka has himself told the media that he would abide by his undertaking given in the people's court that he would resign from the membership of Odisha assembly and lead a normal life ". Abiding by the people's court verdict is accepting the authority of Maoists. This is what Maoists want to show their authority before the people and gain their sympathy.
The Robinhood image of the Maoists is busted when govt works for the justice of the people. Why the Maoists are calling for the action taken by govt in 80s? Stern action will bring bloodshed so they must surrender and accept the profitable rehabilitation package as done by groups in the North-East and lead a dignified life because wind of change is blowing.
I am happy for Hikaka. In his 1-month stay at the kidnappers place, he should have gotten to know their predicament and plight. I am not sure if he had done any good deeds in the past but now that he has got a second chance, he should address the problems of the tribals. Several politician should talk with Maoists and find out what the exact problem is and take measures to sort things out. That is the right way to end this menace. If Hikaka can contribute to that, his name will go down in the Indian history books.
The Maoist and Naxal problems persist because the political
parties have already sunk their differences to keep the issue
burning. As otherwise why do none of them address the root cause
of the problem - usurping the way of life of people who live off
the land or forest, kill them or uproot them with a promise of a
semblance of a compensation that eventually finds its way instead
into the coffers of the political parties in governance or its
individual party members who have known criminal records of
intimidation, land grab and down right murder against them?
Every Indian knows that there is a price for development and for
the pace of development. But surely there is a definite way to
development without the greedy vested interests taking the upper
hand - surely there is a way to make the real inhabitants of
affected areas the real stake holders in the development process?
Only a joint approach to development with real stakeholders can
put an end to the incessant strife.
Aaren
It is very strange that one MLA is being released from his abduction
after verdict of Maoists. Does the rule of Indian law has come to an
end? Our government has made such a situation that a ruling party MLA is
being convinced by Maoist to leave his party.Does these problems will be
solved by sending Sachin to upper house or by passing Lokpal?
Dr. Ganesh has reflected what I was thinking too... Are we on the way to becoming a "banana republic"? We have Agni V that can reach the whole of china and parts of Europe, but the government is helpless against the Maoists right under its nose!
A good happy ending. The reasons seems to be, that Hikaka is a tribal and also supported by CMAS. The Maoists had done a wise thing without gthis drama. since his kidnap the CMAS is not happy. The news also came that there are differences with in Maoists over the kidnap.It seems the Maoists feared it may bring split in CMAS and may loose sympathy of tribals,which will send a wrong signal in the entire Dandakaranya zone over attitude of Maoists towards tribals of agerncy area. This seems to be main reason for his release. The Maoists did not pull the thread till it breaks. So, just gave a "Jhalak" to Orissa govt. Let us hope they may take similar decision in respect of Sukuma collctor's release. Let wise ness & maturity prevail in the mind of Naxals.Govt., should also sit sincerely in resolving this issue. To avoid future kidnapping, concentrate on good governance,transparency and with out hurting the sentiments of the locals while implementing any project in the area by involving them.
It is time that the central and state governments take firm action to put an end to the hostage dramas staged by the Maoists frequently. The credibility and authority of the state is being questioned and the government officials and the security forces are made a laughing stock. The political parties should sink their differences and find a solution and end this menace. Otherwise,law abiding people will lose confidence in our constitution.
Maoists must understand that social recognition is more important than fulfilling their political goal.
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