CHIDAMBARAM 4

To a question whether the government was working on an
out-of-the-box solution to break the logjam with the Maoists
to bring them to the negotiating table, Chidambaram said
"there is no jam. It is only those who romanticise left-wing
extremism think that there is a jam.

"This is the land where Mahatma Gandhi won us freedom
through non-violence. Can you have a greater oppresser than a
colonial government."
The Minister said if the naxalites claim to have the
majority of the people behind them what prevented them from
contesting elections and implementing policies which they
think are the right policies.
"Be that as it may, the elected government today says you
halt violence and come and talk to us about your grievances,"
he said.
Asked if he was inviting them to join the political
maintstream, Chidambaram said "they should. They should join
the political mainstream if they want to work for the people."
About a perception that under his stewardship in the Home
Ministry there is a concerted attempt to take on the Maoist
challenge, he said these perceptions were not quite right.
State governments were acting against naxalities. But by and
large the naxalites had a virtual free run.
The governments, he said, were not engaging the
naxalities and in this period of 10 to 12 years, the naxalites
have expanded their area of influence and dominance. (MORE)
PTI VSC
JVN


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