How the young MLA fell into Maoist net

JEYPORE: It is double whammy for the State Government.  While negotiation is still on to free the two Italians hostages from the clutches of Maoists, the abduction of the Laxmipur MLA, Jhina Hikaka, by suspected rebels on Friday night has further vitiated the atmosphere.If sources are to be believed, Hikaka (37) was a prize catch for a group of cadres, as the ultras had no plans to kidnap the MLA. A group of lower rung Maoists was digging the Koraput-Laxmipur road near Toyaput on Friday night for the proposed Maoist bandh on Saturday when they spotted a jeep on the route.Around 70 in number, the Maoists intercepted the vehicle, suspecting it to be a police jeep. On not finding police, they phoned their senior cadres only to learn that he is an MLA.Seizing the opportunity, the suspected Maoists gathered around the Bolero and asked the MLA’s PSO and driver to move out before taking Hikaka into the forest.They released the PSO and driver around 12.30 am asking them to inform one and all about the kidnapping. By Saturday dawn the word had spread and senior police officials in the headquarters were informed.The South Eastern DIG called an emergency meeting and para military forces rushed to the spot.Preliminary reports indicate that Koraput-Srikakulam division of Maoists, functioning under the leadership of Daya,  kidnapped the MLA.Though the suspected Maoists have not put any demands as yet, they pasted two pamphlets on his jeep which called for an end to police atrocities on tribals, stop on Greenhunt and release of innocent tribals lodged in jails on false charges.Jhina Hikaka was elected MLA in 2009 and has been gaining popularity among the people of his constituency for his works. His wife Kausalya said, “He had no enmity with Maoists and was popular in the area.” She pleaded with the Government for his early release.MLA jeep’s driver Ugrasen said, “They were all Maoists and asked me, along with the PSO, to declare the MLA’s kidnapping before media.”