President urges Maoists to give up violence

New Delhi, Aug 15: Urging the Maoists and other extremists to give up violence, President Pratibha Patil on Saturday, Aug 14 asked them to come for the peace talk with government.

Speaking on the eve of 64th Independence day, President said that terrorism now is the biggest threat to the country and everyone should be aware that they don't receive sanctuary and financial assistance.

"The proponents of extreme ideologies and the followers of Left wing extremism must abandon their path of violence. I call on them to join national efforts for growth and development," said Patil.

She also hoped that civil society too would help the rebels to come forward in the dialogue process.

There are at least 36 districts in India that are Maoists-infested in states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Orissa and West Bengal.

Patil said nation building demands the ability to work diligently and patiently and requires the purpose and ability to focus on issues which unite.

"It requires a spirit of conciliation. This is possible when dialogue is chosen as the channel for communication. By listening to each other, respecting each others viewpoint and understanding one another, we can address issues before us," she said.

OneIndia News