Maoists on Sunday demanded release of eight of their jailed leaders in Chattisgarh and a halt to ‘Operation Green Hunt’ in exchange for freedom of Sukma collector Alex Paul Menon, who was safe, a day after he was abducted and they also set an April 25 deadline.
The demands were made even as spiritual leader Swami Agnivesh expressed willingness to mediate between the Naxals and the government to secure the release of the 32-year-old 2006-batch IAS officer, who was abducted on Saturday at Majhipara village in Raipur district where he was meeting villagers for a government outreach programme.
Demands via audiotape
Additional Director General of Police Ram Nivas (anti-Naxal operations) told reporters that the demands were made by an unidentified Naxal leader in an audio message to media organisations. The authenticity of the audiotape was being verified, he said, adding no Maoist group has got in touch yet with the state government.
According to Nivas, the demands made were an immediate halt to ‘Operation Green Hunt’ (anti-Maoist offensive), sending security forces in Bastar region back to the barracks and release of eight jailed Maoist leaders including two women. In the message, the Maoist leader has alleged that false cases have been foisted against the eight jailed ultras.
Nivas said police have received some vital clues and added that Menon was safe.
Meanwhile, Swami Agnivesh said he was ready to mediate and was waiting for the government or the Naxals to approach him.
Wife pleads to maoists
Menon's wife Asha in a fresh appeal said the Naxals should release her husband saying they were married only a few months ago and he had always worked for the people. She said that Menon had some health problems and was not carrying adequate medicines when he was abducted.
"He is an asthmatic patient and I request the government and the Naxals to understand that he is just left with two doses of medication," she said, adding that he would not be able to cope up with in case of an emergency.
The Association of IAS Officers in Chattisgarh held a meeting here on Sunday and appealed to the ultras to release the Collector unharmed.
Locals in the area where Menon was kidnapped took out a peace march to demand his release. A large number of people, including school children, participated.