India minister seeks 'negotiations' with Maoist rebelsThere has been a surge in
Maoist violence in recent monthsIndia's federal home minister has said he is
ready for "serious negotiations" with Maoist rebels.P Chidambaram said the
rebels were not "terrorists" and had raised "serious issues" about the lack of
development.Last month, the minister said security forces were getting ready to
launch a massive offensive against the rebels.The rebels are fighting for
communist rule in many Indian states. More than 6,000 people have died during
the rebels' 20-year fight."They are not terrorists attacking India from
outside. They are rebels who have raised serious issues like lack of
development specially in tribal areas. We are prepared to discuss alternative
structures of governance with them," Mr Chidambaram told a meeting."I am not
asking them to surrender weapons. I am only asking them to abjure violence.
That will set up the ground for serious
negotiations."'Critical issues'The minister said he was all for "serious
negotiation"."The Indian constitution can be amended to create alternative
structures of governance in the backward tribal areas to facilitate the cause
of development," he said."I appeal to the Maoists to stop violence and come out
to negotiate these issues. We are prepared to examine their perspectives on
these critical issues but we cannot allow any breakdown of law and order." We
are prepared to discuss alternative structures of governance with them
P ChidambaramThe minister said the governments in the states where the Maoists
were active would be involved in the talks.Reacting to Mr Chidambaram's
proposal, a Maoist leader said the minister was indulging in "double talk".."He
is offering peace and talks but he is sending federal forces everywhere we are
operating. He cannot take us for a ride," Koteswara Rao told the BBC.Last
month, a Maoist leader said the rebels were willing to talk to the government
if it put off the planned offensive against them.The rebels have a presence in
more than 223 of India's 600-odd districts across 20 states, according to the
government.There have been more than 1,400 cases related to violence by Maoists
between January and August, according to official records.Nearly 600 civilians
have died over that period.The insurgents wield most influence in areas which
are poor and dominated by tribes people.They are also areas widely seen as
being rich in mineral wealth which the
Maoists say is being handed over to corporate firms while the poor remain
deprived.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8427622.stm
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