Mamata criticises Maoists and cautions intellectuals

LALGARH: On her first visit to this former Naxal hotbed as chief minister, Mamata Banerjee today decried the Maoists' cult of violence and killing but did not offer talks with them.

Addressing a rally here, she also criticised a section of intellectuals in Kolkata for indulging Maoists.

"They do not believe in democracy. They do not want peace. They believe in the barrel of the gun. They indulge in kidnapping and killing people," she said and dubbed the Maoists as cowards who concealed their faces.

Vowing that the land of Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Subhas Chandra Bose and Matanigi Hazra would not be allowed to be bloodied, Banerjee in a message to a section of Kolkata-based intellectuals said, "I appeal to those in Kolkata giving statements kindly do not to give any encouragement to Maoists. This is my request to you."

Referring to the Netai killings last year in January and without naming the CPI-M she alleged that the Marxists were being sheltered by Maoists.

"They used to accuse me of having links with Maoists. Now the truth has come out. Those who have killed in Netai are now being sheltered by Maoists," she said.

Referring to Maoist menace being controlled in 'junglemahal' after her government took over, she said, "Peace has returned. Do not allow the Maoists to disturb peace again. Full credit goes to you who have silenced guns."