By IANS,
Ranchi : Talks can be initiated if Maoist rebels come forward for it, said Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil Wednesday.
“Any talks can take place if both sides agree for it. We can think of initiating dialogue if Maoists desire so,” Patil told reporters in Ranchi.
He said: “We can exchange our views. But one cannot succeed at anything at gun-point.”
Patil arrived in Jharkhand to review the development work in Chatra and Palamau districts under the central government’s pilot projects.
To a question about the banned Communist Party of India-Maoist developing international linkages, he said: “Ideas could have been developed at an international level, but developing international network is not correct.”
Patil held out an assurance of help to the state for modernising the police force.
“Development of the Maoist infested areas is our priority. Rs.75,000 crore (Rs.750 billion) (worth of) development projects are undergoing in the country. Social justice is another issue, which must be addressed. By ensuring economic development, we can end the unhappiness of the people.”
He said the number of killings have increased in Jharkhand in recent times. “The number of killings have increased in Jharkhand as many Maoist outfits have developed in the state. These Maoist outfits are fighting each other,” he said.
Providing security to people is the state government’s concern. The state government should cough up more funds to provide security to the people of the state, he said.