Odisha MLA Jhina Hikaka, once kidnapped by Maoists, vies for Lok Sabha seat
Jhina Hikaka says the rebels have to be weaned away from violence through education and development.
Jhina Hikaka was in the eye of a nationwide storm exactly two years ago.
The first-time Biju Janata Dal MLA from Laxmipur constituency in Koraput district of Odisha was kidnapped by Maoist rebels and kept in captivity for 34 days before being released.
Today, the 39-year-old is back in the limelight, as a BJD candidate for the Koraput Lok Sabha seat.
Asked about the biggest lesson he learnt out of his abduction, the legislator said: "Even though the incident is behind me, it is not one bit out of my mind. Those 34 days taught me that what this place needs is democracy, education and upliftment of the masses."
Even though Hikaka says he does not let that incident stop him in any way, his movements are now monitored and he has been given adequate security.
However, the incident is still not fully understood by most.
"There was a political conspiracy at play. It wasn't pure black and white kind of a case," said a source.
However, Hikaka dismissed the claims.
"There was nothing wrong or suspicious. I convinced the Maoists of my intent and desire to work for the locals and they released me. There is a lesson in this even for our leaders. They need to engage and unless that is done, future is going to be bleak," he said.
Taking on BJP's Sibasankar Ulaka and Congress' Giridhar Gamang, a former chief minister, Hikaka's task is cut out.
"It is also easy because people know me and have seen me more than the other two. Daily, I tour multiple villages, listening to the
locals and preparing an action plan," he said.
"I am a tribal myself and you know I never take lunch along. I just go wherever work takes me and the locals feed me. I don't even take fruits along," he said.
His competitor, Ulaka, however termed Hikaka as "a failure".
"You don't have to go too far. Just visit his assembly constituency. He has not been able to even fix the road leading to his village in the last five years," Ulaka said. When asked about the abduction, Ulaka just smiled.
Hikaka, a law graduate, claims to be a sociologist.
"Skill development and area development are the tools required here in Koraput. As a specialist in sociology, I analyse people and their behaviour. That is how I tour my constituency, through the night, without fear," he said.
On curbing insurgency, Hikaka said that unless amalgamated, Maoists will continue to pose a threat.
"They need to be told that their violence has no place. We must welcome them. If they still want to indulge in violence, then through the route of education and development, we should wean away the masses. That, in my opinion, is the only way," he said.