No talks until Maoists give up violence, asserts Patnaik
By IANSTuesday, February 23, 2010
BHUBANESWAR - A day after Maoists offered to hold talks with the government if the operation against them was halted, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik opposed any dialogue until the rebels give up violence.
“There can’t be any talks with the Maoists if they don’t shun the path of violence. Talks are only possible if they give up violence,” he said.
However, Patnaik said he is yet to receive such message from the Maoists or the central government so far.
“I understand the Maoists have given the message of ceasefire through some channels. But I have not received any such message,” he added, saying that he got to know about the truce offer from media only.
More than half of the Orissa’s 30 districts are Maoist affected, and the state is gearing up for a crack-down against the rebels and awaiting central forces to launch the operations.
