Laxmipur MLA Hikaka remains captive in rebel den

INTERNAL SECURITY// Maoist rebels released Italian tourist guide Paolo Bosusco in April 2012. Bosusco was held in the Orissa forests by Maoist rebels. “I am happy being a free man now. I am tired and need some rest,” said the man who remained in Naxalite custody for over a month. His co-prisoner and fellow Italian, Claudio Colangelo, was freed earlier. Bosusco runs an adventure-holiday firm in Orissa while Colangelo is a doctor from Rome. The two were abducted in the Kandhamal district. Bosusco was kidnapped on March 14, 2012, along with Colangelo, who was released after 11 days. The particular kidnapping was the first-of-its-kind where Maoists resorted to kidnapping foreigners. Also on March 24, 2012, rebels kidnapped Orissa Assembly member Jhina Hikaka who remains in captivity with a separate group based out of Andhra Pradesh. In exchange of Hikaka's release, rebels have demanded a ban on tourists visiting tribal areas and an end to the government’s anti-rebel operations. They have also sought the release of several prisoners languishing in different jails across Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik agreed to release 27 prisoners while negotiating with the Maoists.