Raman Singh rules out dialogue with Maoists

New Delhi, May 20 (ANI): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Thursday ruled out holding a dialogue with Maoists, till they relinquish arms.

Briefing media after holding discussions with Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, Singh said talks would not happen if the Maoists continued to hold arms.

"With guns in one hand and with discussion on papers in the other, this policy of the Maoists will not work," Singh said.

Singh said if the Maoists come forward for talks with the aim of establishing peace, the country would welcome it.

"If they come forward for the sake of peace, and if there are any efforts in this direction, then not only Chhattisgarh, but also every state in the country would welcome dialogue," he said.

Singh said the Chhattisgarh Government is ready to keep its doors open for dialogue if that can bring solutions to all complex issues.

"In the end, through dialogue, solutions for many complex issues have been achieved. And, keeping the dialogue option open, is not a problem for me," he said.

Singh also dismissed media reports of differences between him and Chidambaram on taking on the Maoists.

"There is no difference between the Chhattisgarh Government and the Centre. There is no difference between the state and central forces. There is no difference between my thinking and that of Chidambaram in dealing with the Maoists, Singh said, adding "We all want development and peace."

Singh is expected to call on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh kater this evening to discuss the Maoist issue.

His visit to Delhi comes in the wake of over 35 persons including special police officers (SPO), being killed in a landmine blast in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada District on May 17. (ANI)