Talks on the release of two Italians kidnapped by India's Maoist rebels would not be derailed despite the abduction of a legislator from the state's ruling party, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said Saturday. Over 100 armed rebels were believed to have been involved in snatching Biju Janata Dal legislator Jhina Hikaka, 37, possibly in a bid to influence the talks on the Italians' release.
The incident took place in the Laxmipur area, situated 500 kilometres south-west of the state capital Bhubaneshwar, local police inspector Jatin Pradhan said. It is the same area where the two Italians were kidnapped earlier this month. "Police and paramilitary forces have launched search operations to track the rebels. We are not aware if they have made any demands yet," Pradhan said.
"No group has yet claimed responsibility for this kidnapping. However, it is suspected to have been done by Maoists," Patnaik said in Orissa capital Bhubaneswar. "Negotiations will continue as far as the two Italians are concerned," Patnaik added. Two mediators named by the Maoists and three senior officials representing the government have been negotiating since Thursday to secure the Italians' release.