West Bengal government rules out talks with Maoists

Kolkata, June 24 (ANI): West Bengal government on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of any talks with the People's Committee against Police Atrocities (PCPA), which is believed to have a strong link with Maoists in Lalgarh, until they surrender their arms and end the terror unleashed in the area.

West Bengal's Chief Secretary, Ashok Mohan Chakraborty, said in Lalgarh that members of the PCPA were equipped with sophisticated arms and unless they surrendered them in order to create a conducive atmosphere, talks could not be held.

"The administration was trying to refurbish law and order in the area by taking local people into confidence. Police is talking to the people to instill confidence in them in the fight against terrorists," he added.

His comment follows a day after the Maoists said that they wanted a ceasefire and are ready to hold talks with the government.

According to reports, Maoist spokesperson Gaud Chakraborthy has said that they are ready to have a round of talks with the government, this only if the central forces are withdrawn from Lalgarh with immediate effect. (ANI)