New Delhi, Feb. 23: The Centre on Tuesday said it will not accept any pre-conditions for talks with the CPI (Maoist) rebels and urged them to abjure violence and come to the negotiating table.
In the absence of an "authentic statement" from the Naxals, Union home minister P. Chidambaram said, "I would like no ifs, no buts and no conditions. I would like the statement to be faxed to 011-23093155 (home ministry control room). Once I receive the statement, I shall consult the PM and other colleagues and respond promptly," he said. Mr Chidambaram was reacting to top Maoist leader Kishenji’s statements in the media offering a 72-day ceasefire if the government halted its anti-Naxal offensive.
Namrata Biji Ahuja