Maoists set Thursday evening ultimatum for Odisha legislator to fulfill demands

BHUBANESWAR: The Maoists behind the abduction of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Jhina Hikaka has issued a fresh ultimatum to the Odisha government to fulfill all its demands by Thursday evening.

In an audio message sent to the media here, Chandramauli, the secretary of the Andhra Odisha border special zonal committee of the ultras, - which along with the Srikakulam-Koraput divisional committee had abducted the MLA- hoped that the government would take proactive steps to meet the legitimate demands of the rebels.

He warned the state government not to take any steps that would jeopardize the legislator's security.

"As informed earlier, our principal demands include release of Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh members from jails and drop false charges leveled against them," said the rebel leader.

The Maoists also released a letter, claimed to be written by Jhina Hikaka, addressing chief minister Naveen Patnaik. "Since I am a tribal, no effort is being made to save my life. For my early release, the government should fulfill all the demands of the rebels. Otherwise, I will be forced to quit my Assembly membership," it said.

The Maoists abducted Hikaka on March 24 from Koraput.