Amidst speculations on the timing of the release of abducted Malkangiri district Collector R.V. Krishna and junior engineer Pabitra Majhi, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said the duo would safely return by Thursday.
“The mediators on behalf of the Maoists have given a firm commitment yesterday on the safe return of Mr. Krishna and Mr. Majhi within the next 48 hours, that is latest by tomorrow,” Mr. Patnaik said in a statement in the Assembly.
Stating that the state government continued its talks with the mediators on Tuesday, Mr. Patnaik said interlocutors had visited Jharpada jail to hold discussion with Naxal leader Ganti Prasadam, who was brought from Koraput.
The State government had a broad agreement with mediators on 14 demands made by the Maoists.
While the ultras had 14 demands, the state government had only sought the release of the Collector and engineer.
Replying to a question outside the Assembly, Mr. Patnaik said the Maoist’s demand for the release of CPI (Maoist) central committee member Asutosh Sen and others would be examined on merit.
