Maoists demand clarifications before release of abducted Collector

 Maoists today asked Chhattisgarh Government to clarify its stand on their demands for release of abducted Sukma Collector Alex Paul Menon, and expressed their inability to extend the deadline without receiving a clarification in this regard.

In an e-mail sent to the media, the Naxals said they have received through the media the Government's request for extension of deadline for release of the 2006 batch IAS officer kidnapped on April 21.

However, unless the state administration clarifies its stand on their demands it was difficult for them to take a call on extension of the deadline (original deadline passed on April 25), they said.

To free Menon, the rebels have sought the release of 17 of their rebels, a halt to the anti-Maoist offensive "Operation Green Hunt" and sending back to the barracks the security forces in Bastar.

The Maoists criticised the Government for "dilly- dallying" on every issue related to the hostage crisis and said the administration does not appear serious about the fate of the abducted bureaucrat.

In another e-mail, the Naxals elaborated on the reasons behind the District Collector's abduction.

Under his tenure, Sukma district police allegedly murdered a youth and passed it off as a case of suicide, the e-mail alleged.

They also accused the police of committing "atrocities" on people in the district.