Shun violence, come forward for talks: President to Naxalites

Raipur, Jun 24 (PTI) Indian President Pratibha Patil
Friday asked the Naxalites to shun violence and come forward
for talks and join hands with the government to usher progress
for the tribal population which they represent.
"I would like to urge Naxalites and those involved in
violent acts to shun violence, talk and think appropriately
and get involved in the mainstream of the society to ensure
progress for their own tribal population," she said.
Patil, who reached the central Indian state
Chhattisgarh capital Friday on a two-day official visit, was
addressing the legislators at the state Assembly hall here.
Expressing grief over the spate of recent Naxal
violence in which a number of people were killed, the
president said the biggest of problems can be resolved through
"talks and communication".
"Maintenance of peace and its continuance is very
essential for the progress of the country," she said before
inaugurating the newly-constructed central hall in the
Assembly complex.
Patil also expressed concern over prevalence of social
evils like dowry, child marriage, female foeticide and said
awareness and education against these issues should be spread.
She said fruits of economic development should reach
each and every sections of the society. PTI NES
SSB