Odisha MLA to be released by Maoists tomorrow

BHUBANESWAR: In a major relief to the Odisha government, Maoists holding BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka for over a month today announced that a 'praja' (people's) court has decided that he would be released tomorrow after giving an undertaking that he would resign from the state Assembly.

"Hikaka will put in his papers after his release and has given a written undertaking to this effect in the 'praja' court. He is all right and in good health," an audio message to the media from the Maoist Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) said.

The 37-year-old MLA would be handed over to his wife Kaushalya and Koraput-based lawyer Nihar Patnaik tomorrow morning in Balipeta near Narayanpatna in Koraput district, the message from a senior leader of the AOBSZC, which kidnapped the MLA on March 24 from Koraput district, said.

The MLA reportedly told the 'praja' court held on April 23 and 24 that he would resign as MLA and also snap all ties with BJD and live as an ordinary citizen and work for the people.

Hikaka, according to the message, alleged that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik did not take any active steps for his release because he was a tribal.