Patna:
Hours after three policemen taken hostage by Naxals in Bihar were released, unharmed, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said emphatically that "No deal was struck with the Naxals."
(Read: Maoists release 3 abducted cops)Kumar said public pressure played a big role in persuading the Naxals to end the hostage crisis in the Lakhisarai district, 150 kms east of Patna.
The police, intellectuals, government media , all played a role in this," he said.
(In pics: Bihar hostage crisis over)He also warned that, "There is no guarantee that such incidents will not repeat. Central forces should be deployed in all polling stations during Bihar assembly polls."
Last Sunday, Naxals kidnapped four police officers during an encounter in the Lakhisarai forests.
The Naxals demanded eight of their leaders be freed from jail. The government refused.
The Naxals retaliated by killing one of the hostage policemen, Lukas Tete. Kumar then promised safe passage and talks to the Naxals, who rejected the offer. Over the weekend, the Naxals said the three surviving policemen would be released.
(Read: Havaldar Lukas Tete was killed last week)Kumar suggested the Naxals contest the Bihar assembly elections. "The thinking that through violence, you can achieve your goals is wrong. Come to the mainstream. The elections are coming. Be in the midst of people."