Odisha kidnap: Talks suspended

BHUBANESHWAR: Talks to secure the release of two Italians kidnapped by Maoists in Odisha were suspended on Saturday after the kidnapping of a legislator of the ruling Biju Janata Dal ( BJD) and the killing of a police officer by the rebels in the state.

After holding several hours of discussion for the third consecutive day Saturday, both the government-appointed mediators and the Maoists-interlocutors announced the suspension of dialogue but said it was temporary.