How do you democratically release a hostage, Mr Panda?

Odisha Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda has released a new audio message pertaining to the release of Italian hostage Paolo Basusco, saying that he will be released “through a democratic process”.  He did not elaborate on what the ‘democratic means’ were, nor did he attempt to explain how exactly he planned to bring democracy into the release of a person he kidnapped and is holding to ransom. The audio recording is the latest in an increasingly bewildering back and forth between the Maoists and the Odisha state government which has among things led to expiring deadlines, revolting police officers and the release of naxal prisoners. Panda had earlier threatened to take the “extreme step” against the 54-year-old Italian hostage if his increased list of demands were not met within 96 hours. A day after the ultimatum, the two sides held two rounds talks before arriving at a mutually agreed position and signing a joint statement. [caption id=“attachment_272007” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Panda said Basusco would be freed through democratic means: PTI”]  [/caption] Reporting the story NDTV quoted Panda as saying that as also saying that he had received a copy of the joint statement, which was one of the preconditions for the release of the Italian national.  Given this backdrop, it would be interesting to see what ‘democratic means’ Panda has in mind. Meanwhile adding to the drama, Panda’s wife Subhashree who was released by a fast- track court for her involvement in a 2003 shoot-out case for lack of evidence, has offered to mediate for the release of the Italian hostage. “If the government approaches me I am ready to play the role of an interlocutor to end the hostage crisis,” she told the Times of India. Incidentally Subashree’s release was an initial precondition for freeing Basusco. Panda’s latest message also comes as the Odisha government seemed to finally harden its stand against the Maoists who have been making more and more demands in return for Basusco’s release. The government asked the Naxals to move bail pleas for the quick release of their cadres, instead of seeking their immediate release and physical presence for executing the prisoner-hostage swap. It seemed to be responding in part, to a threat by state police to boycott anti-Naxal operations if hardcore ultras were freed by the government. Meanwhile the other Maoist faction who are holding tribal MLA Jhina Hikaka, a Biju Janata Dal have been silent. They had earlier promised to release the tribal MLA if his wife reached a particular village along with all the released prisoners yesterday, however, that did not happen. NDTV quoting sources, said the Maoists, who are now under pressure from the local tribal people to release the MLA, may decide to set him free after a public trial.