RAIPUR, May 9 � A hostage situation is continuing since last night in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh where around 250 villagers were kidnapped by Maoist rebels on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi�s visit to neighbouring Dantewada, reports PTI.
Chief Minister Raman Singh said anywhere between 200 and 250 villagers were abducted by the Naxals from a few villages in Sukma district and efforts were being made by the local administration for their release.
�Around 200-250 villagers have been abducted and four-five others (locals) are negotiating their release,� Singh told journalists after conflicting claims were made by police officials on the number of villagers kidnapped by the Maoist rebels.
�There is no confusion ... The local administration is making efforts for their release,� he said.
Earlier, Additional Superintendent of Police, Sukma, Harish Rathore said anywhere between 400 and 500 villagers were �taken away� to the jungles by the rebels opposing construction of a bridge, while Inspector General of Police, Bastar region, RP Kalluri, called it a �fiction� created by the media.
Unspecified number of Maoist guerrillas had swooped down on Marenga and some adjoining villages within the Tongpal police stations limits and herded the villagers to the nearby forest.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in Lucknow that the Centre was making efforts for the release of hostages.
Security forces are combing the area to secure the release of the abductees.
�A large number of armed cadres stormed into Marenga and adjoining villages under restive Tongpal police station limits late last night and took away 400-500 villagers, including women and children, along with them,� ASP Rathore said.
