Ready for peace talks with Chhattisgarh government, say Maoists

The banned outfit said the governments had been violating the constitutional rights of the people

Responding to the Chhattisgarh government's proposal, the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) has shown willingness to hold peace talks with the Bhupesh Baghel-led dispensation, but also set several conditions, including the release of their jailed leaders and withdrawal of security forces from strife-torn areas.

However, a State Minister said talks would be held, if any, only unconditionally.

The development comes nearly a month after Chief Minister Baghel said that his government was ready to hold talks with the rebels if they expressed faith in the Constitution.

Chhattisgarh is one of the worst Naxal-affected states in the country.

In a statement purportedly issued by Maoists and circulating on social media since May 6, the outlaws questioned the Chief Minister's "double standards" saying that on the one hand, he offers to hold talks while on the other hand airstrike is allegedly being conducted (in Bastar).

The CM should clarify who gave permission for the recent aerial strike, the Maoists asked.

The two-page statement was issued in the name of Vikalp, a spokesperson of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) of Maoists, which had been instrumental in executing several deadly attacks in south Bastar, including the Jhiram valley attack in Bastar district on May 25, 2013, in which top congress leaders were killed.