Two of the three mediators, named by the CPI (Maoist) to secure the release of Sukma Collector Alex P. Menon, have declined to be part of negotiations, implying that talks will not begin before the April 25 deadline set by the Maoists. S.K. Mishra, former Chief Secretary, Chhattisgarh, and Nirmala Buch, former Secretary, Madhya Pradesh, shall mediate for the government.