Shun violence, take benefit of packages: Naveen Patnaik to Maoists

A day after Odisha State Organising Committee of CPI (Maoist) threatened to turn violent, the state government on Monday asked the ultras to shun the path of violence and surrender and accept the rehabilitation packages.

"I appeal again to my misguided young brothers and sisters who have gone to the Maoist cause, law of the jungle ...request them to return to the mainstream," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said before leaving for Delhi from where he is slated to proceed to the UK on a week-long visit.

Patnaik expressed hope that the ultras should return to the mainstream and take benefits of the new rehabilitation policy meant for them.

State Home Secretary U N Behera rejected the charges made by Odisha State Organising Committee of CPI (Maoist)'s (OSOC) Secretary Sabyasachi Panda who, through an audio tape had yesterday threatened to turn violent if government resorted to suppression.

"We are implementing the commitments made during the hostage crisis. The commitment on withdrawal of prosecution against 13 persons is under process," Behera told reporters.

On Panda's allegation that police had stepped up operation in areas under the control of OSOC despite no violence by them, Behera said, "besides Panda's group other factions of Maoists are also operating. Therefore, operation is being conducted based on intelligence inputs."

This apart, Behera said, Maoists are also sponsoring 'bandhs' which affect the entire state and disrupt public life.

"While the state government is making all possible effort to maintain peace and order, Maoists have continued to indulge in violent activities," the home secretary said.

He pointed out that another person was also killed by ultras on May 19. "Therefore, the state government once again appeals to the Maoists to shun violence and take advantage of the rehabilitation policy," Behera said.

The state government maintained that steps were being taken to facilitate release of four persons from jail as committed for release of two Italian nationals and 23 others in case of release of the tribal MLA Jhina Hikaka.

"The persons whose bail petitions have been rejected in lower court should move the higher court and get bail," the home secretary suggested.

In another development, the two Maoist-nominated mediators - BD Sharma and Dandapani Mohanty - who negotiated with state government representatives for the release of two Italians, accused Odisha government of failing to fulfil the promises it made during talks.