Relieved but regret Tete's killing: Nitish

Patna: Addressing the media after the Maoists released the three abducted policemen on Monday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said the appeal for an all-party meet may have influenced the release of the cops.

"I want to thank the intellectuals for raising their voice against this. That did have a positive impact. I want to thank all political parties for aiding the government, attending the all-party meet and consenting for talks," he said.

Relieved over the release of the three policemen, Nitish said public pressure helped end the crisis. The released cops are now being taken to their families.

"I want to congratulate the families of these policemen," he said.

Regretting the killing of one policeman, the chief minister said the Maoist spokesperson rejected our offer of unconditional talks.

Havaldar Lukas Tete was found dead in Bihar's Lakhisarai forest on Friday with a note from the Naxals who killed him pinned to his body. It warned that unless the government releases eight Naxal leaders from jail, three other policemen taken hostage will be murdered.