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Union home minister P Chidambaram issued the most strident call for peace to the Maoists yet, as on Wednesday he asked them to come to the table for peace talks without laying down arms, or leaving their ideology behind.
"I am requesting you on behalf of Central government and the state
governments which are negotiating with you, please stop violence. We are ready to talk withoout any precondition. But please stop violence," said P Chidambaram at a programme of a chamber of commerce in Kolkata.
The Maoists don't have to give up weapons or their ideology; nor do they require to disband the People's Liberation Guerilla Army, said Chidambaram.
Chidambaram's comment comes at a time when Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is steadfastly pursuing a softline towards the rebels. She has virtually suspended anti-maoist operations of Centre-state joint security forces, even risking the ire of the administration of Orissa and Jharkhand who have said Maoists from their state now find safe haven in West Bengal.
While Chidambaram's statement would encourage Mamata to pursue peace talks, it might also send a note of confidence to the rebels.
On the issue of Teesta water sharing agreement with Bangladesh, Chidambaram said the apparent imbroglio could be solved through patience and dialogue.
"I am requesting you on behalf of Central government and the state
governments which are negotiating with you, please stop violence. We are ready to talk withoout any precondition. But please stop violence," said P Chidambaram at a programme of a chamber of commerce in Kolkata.
The Maoists don't have to give up weapons or their ideology; nor do they require to disband the People's Liberation Guerilla Army, said Chidambaram.
Chidambaram's comment comes at a time when Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is steadfastly pursuing a softline towards the rebels. She has virtually suspended anti-maoist operations of Centre-state joint security forces, even risking the ire of the administration of Orissa and Jharkhand who have said Maoists from their state now find safe haven in West Bengal.
While Chidambaram's statement would encourage Mamata to pursue peace talks, it might also send a note of confidence to the rebels.
On the issue of Teesta water sharing agreement with Bangladesh, Chidambaram said the apparent imbroglio could be solved through patience and dialogue.
