Alex Paul Menon reaches Sukma

Highlights of what Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh told the media after the Collector's release;

Mediators reached agreement on April 30
Going forward we should focus on development and progress.
State govt had given assurance on committee formed under Nirmala Buch and we have kept our word. We will take stock of pending cases and delay in trials
Need national policy on dealing with hostage crisis
I am not in a position to give any advice to any state minister as they can handle their states themselves, situations are different everywhere
Can't keep police at each and every corner in the state.

Mediators Professor G Hargopal and B D Sharma address media after the release of Sukma Collector Alex Paul Menon. Here are the highlights of what they said;

B D Sharma: We were given the responsibility to get the collector home. We have done that.
No deal between Naxals and government. Just a committee has been made.
 
Professor Hargopal: We put the demands forward to the committee. They said unless collector is released they would not promise anything. So whatever demands have been made, will be taken up by the Nirmala Buch committee.

The release of the innocent tribals is one demand. Committee said, once collector is released, we will take up 347 cases and promised to release maximum tribals.

We do not want to disclose names of three prisoners whose release the Maoists have specifically demanded. We have given the government a choice to release three prisoners whose offences are the least. In one of the cases, the person is already acquitted, so the government should have no problem.

 

Alex Menon will hold a press conference in a short while from now

Friends and family greet Alex with celebrations and prayers

Alex Menon reaches his home in Sukma. Moment of joy for family

Alex Menon reaches Sukma

Alex Menon is expected to reach Sukma at around 9 am today.

Collector's wife to NDTV: I spoke to Alex, he said he is tired. Mixed emotions at his release.

Sukma collector Alex Paul Menon released by Maoists
Sukma Collector Alex Paul Menon, who was kidnapped by Maoists in Chhattisgrah almost two weeks ago, has been released by his abductors. "I am ok, will speak later," Mr Menon told reporters after his release around 6:30 pm today.

Released Collector  says he will speak to the media in  a day or two.

Alex Paul Menon is likely to drive down to Sukma.

Alex Paul Menon speaks to the media. He says, " I am well. I would like to go home first."

UPDATE: Maoists release collector

Maoists likely to release Sukma collector after press conference

Update: Maoists call a press conference in Talmetla; Sukma collector not released yet

Sukma collector Alex Paul Menon to be released by Maoists: 10 big developments
Sukma Collector Alex Paul Menon is expected to reach home shortly afetr 12 days in captivity, local TV channels reported.

Alex Paul Menon to be  released, handed over to mediators