Maoists at Malkangiri jail on hunger strike

The agitators, led by top Maoist leader Sriramulu Srinivas, demanded withdrawal of combined security force from Orissa and release of the tribals and others arrested on the charge of supporting Maoist activities after abduction of Malkangiri district collector, R Vineel Krishna on February 14.

Though an agreement was made between the state government and the mediators for a peaceful solution to the hostage crisis, none of the demands had been fulfilled so far, the agitating inmates said.

All inmates including five women were on a hunger strike and it would continue till the demands were met, the Maoist leader said.

The sub-jail houses 210 inmates including 22 Maoists.

"We are keeping a watch on the development," SP Anirudha Singh told reporters.