Government ready for unconditional talks with Maoists: Chidambaram
By IANSTuesday, February 23, 2010
NEW DELHI - The government is ready to hold unconditional talks with Maoists if they abjure violence, a home ministry statement released here said Tuesday.
“I would like a short simple statement from the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) saying they will abjure violence and we are prepared for talks. I would like no ifs, no buts and no conditions,” said the statement quoting Home Minister P. Chidambaram.
“I would like the statement to be faxed to 011-23093155. Once I receive the statement I shall consult the prime minister and other colleagues and respond promptly,” said the statement.
The Maoists Monday declared they were game for a dialogue, but the government would have to first halt security operations against them for 72 days. The move comes three days after Home Minister P. Chidambaram’s offer to talk with the rebels if they stopped violence for 72 hours.
