TNI Bureau: Laxmipur MLA Jhina Hikaka has returned to Laxmipur after a long gap of five months. Jhina, who had spent over a month in Maoist captivity in March-April, has been staying in Bhubaneswar with tight security after his release.

Jhina reached Koraput on Monday, but got the permission to visit his village Dumuripadar in Laxmipur on Tuesday only. His visit coincided with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s scheduled visit to Malkangiri and Koraput on Thursday. Security has been tightened in the area because of the VVIP visits.

While talking to our correspondent Mr. Hemanta Pande, Jhina said, “I am really happy and excited to be at my village and my constituency after a long time. This is an emotional moment for me. I am going to attend the BJD Padayatra at Dasmantpur today”, he said.

Earlier yesterday, Jhina had met the BJD workers in his area and visited two schools to take stock of the situation there. He also distributed sweets to the students. Jhina Hikaka met the Koraput District Collector and Superintendent of Police to discuss the law and order situation in Laxmipur.