Maoists did not respond to unconditional talks offer: Jairam Ramesh

BASARIAKALA/JHARKHAND: The Maoists have been silent on the offer of unconditional talks by the Centre because they did not believe in democracy, union minister Jairam Ramesh said today.

"We have offered dialogue several times asking them to join the mainstream. Even P Chidambaram asked them to accept unconditional talks," Ramesh, Union Rural Development told a public meeting in this Maoist-affected village.

"It is regrettable that there is no response, but not surprisingly as they don't believe in democracy, constitution, elections, but for us all these things are on top, and it is our responsibility to protect them," he said.

"Now it is a psychological battle and we want your cooperation to win this completely. Without you we can't get success," he told villagers, adding that he had visited 36 out of 82-naxal affected districts across nine states.

Development funds were being sent by the Centre and it was the responsibility of the state governments to spend them with transparency, accountability, and in totally, he said.

Stating that Maoists were into extortion forgetting ideology, he urged political parties not to leave any space for them to exploit the poor and tribals.

He said that some panchayats of Palamau district would be considered for inclusion in the Saryu Action Plan (SAP), which now comprised blocks of neighbouring Garhwa and Latehar districts.

"I will speak to Chief Minister Arjun Munda for inclusion of some areas in the SAP. And, if the state sends a proposal, I will take a decision constructively," Ramesh added.