"If release of the tribal MLA takes place by 5 pm tomorrow, the Government will seriously consider withdrawal of prosecution in suitable cases," Panchayatiraj Secretary P K Jena told reporters.
The statement came hours after Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) in a message asked the government to make its stand clear on the release of 29 people to secure freedom for the 37-year-old Laxmipur MLA.
"The government has already declared that it would facilitate release of 25 persons including 17 members of Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS and eight of CPI (Maoist)," said Jena, one of the three state government representatives who negotiated with Maoist mediators in Italian hostage crisis.
For the sake of clarity the government again released the names of 25 persons to be freed from jails, he said.
Meanwhile, in a positive development Hikaka today spoke to Chief Secretary B K Patnaik and Koraput district Collector J S Ramachandra and informed them that he was in good health, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said in New Delhi.
There was also a telephonic conversation between Ruling BJD MP from Koraput, Jayaram Pangi and Hikaka. (More) PTI AAm SKN CR