Call me on Feb 25: Maoist leader tells Chidambaram

New Delhi, Feb 24: On a day when the Centre gave a facsimile number to the Maoists, the Left-wing rebels responded to the Home Ministry's call by sharing a mobile number to contact them for peace talks.

The Home Ministry on Tuesday, Feb 23, had released statement signed by Home Minister P Chidambaram which called for the Maoists to send a fax about their ceasefire offer.

"I would like a short, simple statement from CPI-Maoists. I would like no ifs, no buts. They should send the fax to 011-23093155. Once we receive the fax, I'll consult the Prime Minister and other colleagues and respond promptly," Home Ministry Spokesperson Onkar Kedia read from the statement.

Chidambaram made it clear that talks could happen only if the Maoists don't attach any conditions.

Reacting to Chidambaram's statement, Maoists' spokesperson Kishenji said, "it is unclear."

"Chidambaram can call us up on 9734695789 at 5:00 pm on Feb 25 and speak to us. We will respond to his call," Kishenji said.

The Maoist leader said, "We cannot accept the central ministry's offer on their terms. We are ready to stop violence for 72 days provided the state-sponsored terrorism is stopped."

OneIndia News