The Maoists on Thursday released the abducted BJD MLA, Jhina Hikaka, after holding him captivity for 34 days.
The MLA, who was freed Thursday morning, reached Balipeta under Narayanpatna police limit, nearly 500 km from here, at around 10.30 am. He was received by his wife Kaushalya Majhi and advocate Nihar Patnaik, the counsel for the Maoist-backed Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS).
Upon his arrival at Balipeta after long hours of walk in the hilly terrains and dense forests, the legislator, who appeared completely worn out, broke into tears. He first embraced lawyer Nihar Patnaik and then took his wife in his arms.
No government official or police personnel were present at Balipeta. The legislator was then taken to Koraput where he underwent health checkup by Dr B.N. Padhi.
“The health condition of the MLA is quite alright except that he has developed some skin rashes for not having proper bath and using the same pair of dresses for 34 days,” Dr Padhi said.
In Bhubaneswar, chief minister Naveen Patnaik breathed a sigh of relief and expressed his happiness over the development.
“I’m very happy that Jhina Hikaka has been released. He is on his way to Laxmipur to be reunited with his family after 34 days of separation. The state government and the entire Orissa are relieved now. His 80-year-old sick mother and wife Kaushalya, who were in deep distress, are anxiously waiting for him,” the chief minister said.
Addressing a press meet at Koraput circuit house, the legislator said though he was quite worried during his confinement, he believed the rebels would release him as he worked for tribals.
Asked to share his experience in the Maoist camp, the legislator said the rebels treated him well and showed no disrespect at all.
“The Maoists treated me well. They offered me the same food they were taking in the camp. There was no harassment whatsoever,” he said.
He informed that during his 34-day captivity, he was shifted to different camps at least on three occasions “as the ultras feared attack by security personnel.”
To query if he had agreed in the Praja Court to resign from the Assembly membership as well from the ruling BJD, the MLA said, “I think the Maoists have already told you about this.” The MLA’s wife Kaushalya said the government did not do enough for her husband’s release. She, instead, praised the media persons for their efforts.