We are ready for political talks in Darjeeling: CM

Kolkata Feb 12 (PTI) Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjeetoday said the West Bengal government is ready to hold talkson the ongoing agitation in Darjeeling provided GorkhaJanamukti Morcha (GJM) left the path of violence.

"The problem in Darjeeling can be sorted out throughpeceful political talks and we are ready for that... We cannotcompromise with violence," he said at the annual combinedparade of West Bengal and Kolkata Police Force here.

GJM had announced an indefinite strike on February 9demanding a CBI inquiry into the Sipchu police firing onFebruary 8, which left two of its supporters dead. The outfithas demanded a CBI inquiry into the firing and stated that itwould not return to the talks table if a separate Gorkhalandwas not the issue of discussion.

Bhattacharjee congratulated the state police for their''commendable job'' in battling Maoists and for maintaining lawand order and communal harmony in the state.

The government in its turn has taken the responsibility ofthe families who die while fighting the rebels, he said.

Governor M K Narayanan was present at the investitureceremony and presented the medals to 55 policemen, of whom sixwere given for distinguished services and 49 for meritoriousservices in the police force.