Maoists hold MLA hostage
As negotiations continued between the Orissa government and the Maoists for the release of two abducted Italian tourists, the rebels struck again early Saturday, kidnapping a tribal BJD MLA from Laxmipur, Jhina Ekaka, from Tayaput in Koraput district. The abduction was by Maoists who belong to the Srikakulam-Koraput divisional committee.