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."