Chidambaram seeks fax statement from Maoists

A CRPF team patrolling the Silda area after Maoist attacks. The government has made a strong statement that talks with Maosts will proceed only if the group abjures violence.

The government needed an unequivocal statement from Maoists stating that they abjured violence if it had consider their talks offer, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said on Tuesday.

“I would like a short, simple statement from the CPI(Maoist) saying, ‘We will abjure violence and we are prepared for talks.’ I would like no ifs, no buts and no conditions. I would like the statement to be faxed to 011-23093155. Once I receive the statement, I shall consult the Prime Minister and other colleagues and respond promptly,” he said in a statement.

Official sources pointed out that the government had seen many versions of a statement reportedly made by Maoist leaders. In the absence of an authentic statement, the government was unable to respond to these versions. Nevertheless, in order to clear the air, Mr. Chidambaram had made the statement.

In the past, militant groups used ceasefire to bolster themselves, the sources said.