Bihar Hostage Crisis: Nitish Kumar Invites Maoists for Talks, Three Policemen Considered Safe

Strategic Insights -

As the week-long hostage crisis in Bihar continues, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has invited Maoists holding three police personnel captive for talks, offering them safe passage in exchange for the secure release of the hostages. This decision comes after an all-party meeting convened by Kumar, which also appealed to the Maoists to release the remaining hostages unharmed. The move follows the discovery of the bullet-riddled body of Lucas Tete, one of the four abducted police officers, and the arrest of nine naxalites, including two involved in the kidnapping incident.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chief Minister Nitish Kumar invites Maoists for talks, offering safe passage and security guarantees in exchange for the release of the three remaining hostages.
  • An all-party meeting was convened by Kumar, which appealed to the Maoists to release the hostages unharmed.
  • The arrest of nine naxalites, including two involved in the kidnapping incident, has been made during combing operations in Munger district.
  • Self-proclaimed Maoist spokesman Avinash claims that the three abducted policemen are safe and demands immediate talks for their release.
  • The Maoists are demanding the release of eight of their arrested cadres in exchange for the release of the hostages.
  • Representatives from political parties would be present during the talks, as per Kumar's proposal.
  • The area of combing has been expanded to include districts such as Banka, Kaimur, and fresh hilly and forest areas in Munger, Jamui, and Lakhisarai districts.

Statistics:

  • 9 naxalites arrested, including 2 involved in the kidnapping incident.
  • 3 police personnel still held captive by the Maoists.
  • 8 arrested Maoist cadres are being demanded by the rebels in exchange for the release of the three hostages.
  • 150 km from Patna: The location where the body of kidnapped ASI Lucas Tete was found.

Sources:

  • PTI: Patna, September 04, 2010 (PTI)
  • PTI: [Avinash, self-proclaimed Maoist spokesman claims three abducted policemen are safe]