The condition of the conjoined twins of Odisha, who underwent a marathon surgery at the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, is "critical but stable", state Health and Family Welfare minister Pratap Jena said today.

Jena said 28-month-old twins -- Jaga and Kalia -- joined at their heads, were separated during a 16-hour-long surgery which began on October 25 morning and ended yesterday, are under round-the-clock observation and the next 30 hours will be crucial for them. A team of specialist doctors have been engaged to monitor their condition, he added.

The twins, who hail from Milipada village under Phiringia block in Kandhamal district, are craniopagus conjoined twins, joined at their heads, which is a very rare condition. "The whole of Odisha has been praying for the speedy recovery of Jaga and Kalia. We hope the twin brothers will return Kandhamal after their recovery," the minister said.

The conjoined twins were admitted to the AIIMS on July 13 and the first phase of the surgery was performed on August 28.