Even as the Orissa government continued its efforts to secure the release of Malkangiri Collector R. Vineel Krishna and Junior Engineer Pabitra Majhi abducted by Maoists, the Assembly on Saturday voiced deep concern and passed a resolution appealing for their release at the earliest.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told journalists that the government was ready to start discussions on the demands made by the Maoists as soon as the mediators — Someswar Rao and Hargopal — arrived here.
The two were kidnapped from the cut-off area in the Kudumuluguma block on Wednesday afternoon.
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Meanwhile, bail petitions were moved in courts in Koraput and Malkangiri districts seeking the release of six suspected Maoists. The names of three — Ganti Prasadam, Srinivas Sriramulu and Padma — were said to be on the list of those whose release had been reportedly demanded.
S. Murali reports from Ongole, Andhra Pradesh:
Ongole jail authorities on Saturday night honoured a prisoner transit warrant issued by a Koraput magistrate against Ganti Prasadam, convener of the Martyrs Friends and Relatives Committee.
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