Kolkata, New Delhi:
"We have appealed to Maoist to halt violence. If they do, we will persuade states to talk to the CPI Maoists on all matters including their concerns on land acquisition, forest rights, industrialisation and development," said P Chidambaram, Union Home Minister.
Another appeal to the Maoists... but this one using development issues in an attempt to show Naxal demands can be fulfilled through negotiations.
Also significant is the timing.... as it comes against the backdrop of reports that the Centre is planning a crackdown against the Naxals, and the recent surge in Maoist violence.
Chidambaram's appeal comes on a day when rights activists questioned Operation Greenhunt, the Centre's offensive to flush out Maoists in Chhattisgarh.
A 15-member fact finding team of activists that visited the state recently alleges rights violations by security forces.
"Did the tribals of Dantewada invite the forces and ask for protection? And they are the ones being killed, so whose protection are the forces there for?" said Himanshu Kumar, an activist.
Activists claim security forces have killed 17 people, and many more have been tortured. They also allege the presence of Salwa Judum leaders during the operation, but the Home Minister claims Salwa Judum isn't active anymore.
"Salwa Judum by and large has come to an end. There are no activities by the Salwa Judum that has been brought to my notice recently," said Home Minister P Chidambaram.
In neighbouring Bengal, that's seen a spurt in Maoist activity recently, the Chief Minister on Friday hit out at Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of supporting the Maoists, barely days after a daring attack on the Rajdhani Express.
"CRPF filed an FIR and said Chatradhar's group had done the hijack, they have even given 5-6 names. The CRP could give names but the Railway Ministry couldn't give names? Why is there an effort to still shelter them? They are trying to protect the people who attacked the Rajdhani," said Buddhdeb.
As accusations and counters fly, the big question - will the Centre's drive against Naxals be caught in politics?