The reported move by the Orissa government to release a number of Maoists and their supporters in exchange for two hostages - an Italian national and a member of the legislative assembly - might lead to the Maoists adding kidnapping to their repertoire of hostilities. The issue really is whether the state wants to project a 'hard' image, and refuses to entertain any demands in a hostage situation, or whether the basic duty of protecting guests and citizens over-rides all other considerations.