Govt refutes mediators charge

BHUBANESWAR: Refuting allegations that it has reneged on the commitments made for the release of two Italian nationals and Laxmipur MLA Jhina Hikaka by the CPI(Maoist), the State Government on Tuesday  announced that all attempts to disrupt public order and unlawful activities have to be firmly dealt with.Stating that the Maoists have indulged in violent activities several times since March 14, the day two Italians Paolo Bosusco and Claudio Colangelo were abducted, Home Secretary U N Behera told mediapersons here that the State Government has the responsibility to maintain public order and protect the life and property of the citizens.Referring to the statement of Maoist interlocutor Dandapani Mohanty blaming the Government for not keeping its promise, Behera said while all efforts are being made to maintain law and order, the Maoists continue to indulge in violent activities by killing civilians and security personnel.Behera said during the period, the Maoists have killed four civilians in Boipariguda, Laxmipur, Kalimela and Bargarh. They have also killed four security personnel, he said, adding that the Naxalites have also indulged in other disruptive activities, including damaging mobile phone towers, burning vehicles and machineries, road blockades and attack on police personnel. They are giving frequent bandh calls to disrupt public life, he said. Maoist appointed mediator Mohanty had alleged that after the release of the two Italians and the Laxmipur MLA, the Government has intensified combing operations. The camp of secretary of the Odisha State Organising Committee of the CPI(Maoist) Sabyasachi Panda was raided twice and an attempt is being made to eliminate him, he added.Alleging that the Government has forgotten its promise to release 27 prisoners, Mohanty said no step has been initiated to withdraw cases against 13 persons. The Home Secretary, however, said the Government is taking all steps and will implement the commitments made, in letter and spirit. Behera said that Subhashree Dash, wife of Sabyasachi, has already been acquitted in a case and come out of jail. Four other prisoners have also come out in bail which is related to the release of the MLA, he said.