The Orissa government today conceded eight of the 14 demands made by Maoists to release Malkangiri district Collector Vineel Krishna and junior engineer Pabitra Majhi, whom they have held hostage since February 17. Government representatives held discussions with three interlocutors designated by the Maoists, but there were indications that a final deal might be struck only tomorrow, possibly in the presence of Ganti Prasadam, a close aide of top Maoist leader Ramakrishna. Prasadam has been in Koraput jail since November 2010. The Maoists want him released along with Shriramulu Srinivas, a member of the Maoists