Maoists freed Malkangiri Collector R Vineel Krishna on Thursday evening after the Orissa government conceded to most of their demands. Krishna's release came after several rounds of haggling between the rebels and the government through the three mediators hand-picked by the Maoists.
There was uncertainty over Krishna's release on Thursday since Maoists went back on their promise made two days ago to release him within 48 hours. They set fresh conditions and hoped to browbeat the government into giving in.
Junior engineer Pabitra Majhi, who was abducted along with Krishna nine days ago, was freed yesterday, the same day the Maoists had promised to release Krishna.
The government has agreed to meet 14 demands, among which are freeing jailed comrades and suspending security operations against the rebels.
Krishna and Majhi were abducted nine days ago.
