NEW DELHI: Paving way for a resolution of the hostage crises, the government of Odisha, a state in Eastern India has agreed to swap 27 prisoners for the release of an Italian tour guide and a local elected representative taken hostage by armed Maoist insurgents. The nearly month long hostage crisis now seems close to nearing an end with the announcement being made by the state's chief minister, Naveen Patnaik. Paolo Bosusco and Claudio Colangelo, two Italians, were captured by Maoist rebels on March 14 and held hostage demanding a ransom of prisoners to be released in exchange for the release of the Italians. Claudio was however released 11 days later as a goodwill gesture by the Maoists. Odisha state assembly member Jhina Hikaka, who was picked up on March 24 by another group of Maoists with a similar demands, is also due to be released in the exchange. In February 2011, the Odisha government was arm-twisted into to dropping charges against five persons based on demands of Maoists who had taken two state officials hostage. At that time too analysts feared, giving in easily to the Maoists would embolden the Maoists to strike again using the same tactics. The Chief Minister of Odisha also said that the two hostages could to be released “immediately, unharmed and in good health.” Maoist insurgents have been fighting against the Indian state for decades now over ideological differences with the Indian government. They claim they are fighting for the rights of India's tribal people and landless farmers. The crisis also involved Italian diplomats who camped in Odisha during the days of negotiations. The hostage crisis came at a time of strained relations between India and Italy, over the arrest of two Italians soldiers in connection shooting of two Indian fishermen who they thought were fishermen. The two nations have otherwise had cordial relations.
