BHUBANESWAR: The State Government is likely to announce a package for Narayanpatna area following the hostage crisis involving Jhina Hikaka. Sources said announcement of the package would be one of the measures to placate the tribals of the area. Narayanpatna and Bandhugaon blocks of Koraput district have become hotbed of Maoist activities and no development work has taken place in those areas. Hikaka was also reported to have admitted in the praja court of the Maoists held on April 23 and 24 that there had been no development in Narayanpatna area in the last three years. Hikaka was elected for the first time from Laxmipur on a BJD ticket in 2009. The clout of the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS) has increased in Narayanpatna and Bandhugaon blocks during the last couple of years. The CMAS was also instrumental for the victory of the BJD candidate in the last Assembly polls. A senior leader from the area said there had been a preliminary discussion on the package. Details are yet to be decided. Besides, the timing of the announcement has also not been finalised. Sources said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik might announce the package after his return from Delhi. The Chief Minister will attend a meeting, convened by the Centre, on the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Delhi on May 5. There may be some surprises in the ministry reshuffle which is likely to take place after Naveen’s return. Speculation is rife that Hikaka will be inducted into the council of ministers. If this happens, Hikaka will get more opportunity to do work for the uplift of tribals and implement development projects in the area. Besides, his security will also be upgraded to keep the Maoists at bay.
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