RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh government has invited Maoists to hold unconditional talks, suggesting “video calls if they are reluctant to come for physical meetings”.
“We are prepared to provide Naxalites an online platform to express their grievances, ideas and desires. I am open to discussions with the young cadres any time, 24×7, without any conditions. I am available for any topic the Naxalites wish to discuss, but they must be willing to engage,” Chhattisgarh deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma, who holds the home portfolio, told TOI on Thursday.
“…If they regret their decision to join the outfit or wish to reintegrate with mainstream society, I extend my hand to them and urge them to lead a peaceful life and serve the country,” Sharma said, adding that it’s a step towards restoring peace and stability in Bastar.
Last month, after a string of Maoist IED attacks and ambushes, seemingly a challenge to the newly-elected government, chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai ordered security forces to step up the offensive.
Government is holding out an olive branch but has made it clear there will be no softening of stance.
The deputy CM issued a warning: “If they fail to grasp the importance of dialogue, they will have to pay for the pain they have inflicted on our people (‘dard ka hisaab hoga’). They must understand that peace talks cannot occur with guns and bullets. A well-ordered society is not governed by firearms.”
“We want to discuss what they desire, why they carry weapons, why they mislead and trouble people, why they oppose progress in villages, and why they do not support the establishment of hospitals, schools, water facilities, and anganwadis,” he said.
Every time past governments offered talks, Maoists set conditions, like release of “innocent tribals”. Asked about this, Sharma said the “law governs those in jail”. Talks will be based on the same legal framework under the Constitution that guides all governments, he added.
“If Naxals feel they have something to contribute to society, they should step forward and communicate instead of enduring a difficult life in forests. Discussions should take place in every possible manner, allowing them to share their perspectives on our ‘shortcomings’, which we will consider. Young Maoist cadres should not feel isolated from society,” Sharma said.
On Maoists’ call to save tribals’ ‘jal, jungle aur jameen’ and opposition to mining activities, Sharma said mining is important for progress of any region and expressed his willingness to discuss alternative approaches to minimise damage and explore measures for the development or conservation of the environment in mining regions. Previous state governments too had proposed talks, but they never materialised as Maoists refused to accept the first condition – that they lay down arms.
“We are prepared to provide Naxalites an online platform to express their grievances, ideas and desires. I am open to discussions with the young cadres any time, 24×7, without any conditions. I am available for any topic the Naxalites wish to discuss, but they must be willing to engage,” Chhattisgarh deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma, who holds the home portfolio, told TOI on Thursday.
“…If they regret their decision to join the outfit or wish to reintegrate with mainstream society, I extend my hand to them and urge them to lead a peaceful life and serve the country,” Sharma said, adding that it’s a step towards restoring peace and stability in Bastar.
Last month, after a string of Maoist IED attacks and ambushes, seemingly a challenge to the newly-elected government, chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai ordered security forces to step up the offensive.
Government is holding out an olive branch but has made it clear there will be no softening of stance.
The deputy CM issued a warning: “If they fail to grasp the importance of dialogue, they will have to pay for the pain they have inflicted on our people (‘dard ka hisaab hoga’). They must understand that peace talks cannot occur with guns and bullets. A well-ordered society is not governed by firearms.”
“We want to discuss what they desire, why they carry weapons, why they mislead and trouble people, why they oppose progress in villages, and why they do not support the establishment of hospitals, schools, water facilities, and anganwadis,” he said.
Every time past governments offered talks, Maoists set conditions, like release of “innocent tribals”. Asked about this, Sharma said the “law governs those in jail”. Talks will be based on the same legal framework under the Constitution that guides all governments, he added.
“If Naxals feel they have something to contribute to society, they should step forward and communicate instead of enduring a difficult life in forests. Discussions should take place in every possible manner, allowing them to share their perspectives on our ‘shortcomings’, which we will consider. Young Maoist cadres should not feel isolated from society,” Sharma said.
On Maoists’ call to save tribals’ ‘jal, jungle aur jameen’ and opposition to mining activities, Sharma said mining is important for progress of any region and expressed his willingness to discuss alternative approaches to minimise damage and explore measures for the development or conservation of the environment in mining regions. Previous state governments too had proposed talks, but they never materialised as Maoists refused to accept the first condition – that they lay down arms.
