Shun violence first, talks later, Rajnath tells Maoists

Koraput: If Maoists want to join the mainstream, the government is ready for discussion with them but they must shun violence first, said Union Home minister Rajnath Singh here on Friday.

"If the LWE cadres leave their weapons and shun violence, the govt. is ready to have dialogue with them within the constitutional framework", Singh tweeted.

Singh, who is on a one-day visit to the State, reviewed anti-Maoist operations in the State in a meeting with Dirrector General of Police (DGP), Home Secretary, IG Intelligence, IG operations, and SPs of Koraput and Malkangiri districts.

Singh said that Red rebels are acting as a hindrance to development by perpetrating violence. If they decide to join the mainstream, the government is ready for a constructive discussion with them, he added.

"There is no place for violence in a democracy. I appeal to LWE cadres to shun violence completely and join the nation's mainstream", Singh tweeted.

The Home minister praised the security personnel for their tireless efforts in combating and thwarting Maoist violence. He also assured to provide all Central assistance required to strengthen the efforts.

"Reviewed the LWE scenario in Odisha & AP at meetings in Koraput & Vizag. There is a big improvement on the LWE front across the country" Singh tweeted.

After his meeting in Koraput, Singh met chief minister Naveen Patnaik at the Secretariat in Bhubaneswar.