Kolkata:
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said that the government is ready to talk to the Maoists if they shun violence.
Addressing a rally in Naxal-affected Jhargram, the West Bengal Chief Minister said, "There have been no joint force operations in the last 3-4 months. I thought that would bring peace. But no, people have been gunned down. If there is peace there is no need for joint operations. Negotiations will continue if you drop your guns."
She also gave the Maoists seven-day ultimatum to lay down arms.
"The door is open for talks. We will give jobs, compensation and pension to Maoists who come to the mainstream," Ms Banerjee said.
"People don't want politics of murder. We want peace. I am for negotiations in democracy. I want negotiations. But you have to throw down your guns," she added.
Addressing a rally in Naxal-affected Jhargram, the West Bengal Chief Minister said, "There have been no joint force operations in the last 3-4 months. I thought that would bring peace. But no, people have been gunned down. If there is peace there is no need for joint operations. Negotiations will continue if you drop your guns."
She also gave the Maoists seven-day ultimatum to lay down arms.
"The door is open for talks. We will give jobs, compensation and pension to Maoists who come to the mainstream," Ms Banerjee said.
"People don't want politics of murder. We want peace. I am for negotiations in democracy. I want negotiations. But you have to throw down your guns," she added.
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