The state-owned television network had shown both the released rebels holding a press conference. The government spread the news that both had defected from the Maoist movement. Sharma later issued a statement saying the press conference was held under duress and denied that they had defected. The Maoists were supposed to sit down for talks after the releases of Sharma and Gautam. He added that the government had released Sharma and Gautam unconditionally after they gave a written assurance that they would abandon violence.
People are now scared of the consequences if the talks fail.
Home ministry officials said that the government was planning to establish a security force soon, signaling its resolve to crush the insurgency if the rebels did not come to the negotiating table.