Halt violence, come and talk: Chidambaram to Naxals

New Delhi: Home Minister P Chidambaram has made yet another appeal to the CPI Maoists to abjure violence. He says if the Maoists stop violence, the Centre will persuade the states to talk to them on their demands, including forest rights, land acquisition, industrialisation and development.

The minister made it clear that no talks could be held in an atmosphere of violence.

"The violence by Naxalites must end. The state governments have a duty to stop this violence," he said while addressing the media in New Delhi.

Chidambaram said if the Maoists are "serious champions of the poor", they should come forward for talks.

"I have never said lay down arms. I know that is not realistic, so I say halt violence and come and talk to us," he said.

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The response to the Centre's offer for talks has been disappointing so far, he added.

The Home Minister said Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh had attempted to hold talks with the Maoists but the moves were "futile".

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He said the most serious threat to internal security comes from the Naxalites. Hence, the Cabinet Committee on Security has decided to provide help to the states affected by Naxal violence.

(With PTI inputs)