Govt ready to talk with Naxals if they come to dialogue table

Mangalore, Aug 19 (UNI) Karnataka government is ready to talk with the Naxalites if they drop their guns and come to the dialogue table, state Home Minister M P Prakash said today.

Participating in the valedictory function of 'Konkani Manyatha Divas', organised by the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy in association with several Konkani organisations here, he said the miscreants and terrorists were threatening the innocent people and the government was ready to hold talks with them according to law.

Expressing his deep concern over the peace and harmony breaking incidents witnessed in the 'communally harmonious district of Dakshina Kannada', he said that such efforts by any anti-social elements should be curbed.

He also said upon that with the development and promotion of Konkani language, the Konkani people should have pride and respect for other languages. He also appreciated and welcomed the efforts of finding suitable script for Tulu and Kodava languages.

Earlier, Mr Prakash affirmed that the tribal and adivasi people, who were living in Kudremukh National Park area since several decades and procured title deeds of the land, would not be evicted.

The Centre had instructed the forest department not to take any adverse steps in this regard, he said.

He said the government was also considering to hold discussions with the farmers of Tatkol in Chikmagalore district for rehabilitation package as demanded.

UNI