One of the key interlocutors assigned to broker peace with the Maoists on Sunday took exception to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's “selection of words” in describing the cadres.
Sujato Bhadro, who heads the six-member team of interlocutors, said the Chief Minister should be “more careful in her selection of words.” “It is true that political tension still exists in the relationship between the government and the Maoists. But such comments may only create political grudge,” he said at a press conference.
He was referring to the use of words such as ‘supari killers' or ‘jungle mafia' by Ms. Banerjee at a rally at Jhargram in West Midnapore district on Saturday.
Mr. Bhadro, in town to attend the first district conference of the ‘Bandi Mukti Committee,' however, hoped that the comments would not affect the peace process.
Pre-conditions
He pointed out that at the very beginning of the peace negotiations on July 7, it was decided that the Maoists would declare a ceasefire and the government would withdraw the joint forces. “The Maoists have kept their word. But the joint forces are yet to be withdrawn.”
He said all the pre-conditions must be fulfilled and an environment of faith created before the talks.
