Raipur, Feb 12 (IANS) A day after ensuring the safe release of
five Chhattisgarh policemen who spent 18 days in Maoist
captivity, social activist Swami Agnivesh Saturday asked the
chief minister of India's worst insurgency-hit state to begin
peace talk with guerrillas at 'this better time'.
'After safe release of the hostages by the Maoists, an
atmosphere for initiating a fresh peace talks has been
created. It's better time now to take this initiative
forward,' Agnivesh said at a joint press conference here with
Chief Minister Raman Singh.
'Our country has been holding talks with
Pakistan, separatist groups and even militants. So, why can't
we talk with our own brothers and sisters,' he asked adding
that he was ready to mediate for peace talks once the proposal
comes through.
Responding to the suggestion, Raman Singh said: 'We welcome
such initiatives as it's our firm belief that all such
problems could only be solved through talks. If the government
gets a proposal, we will not hesitate to take it forward. Our
goal is to ensure peace and speed up the process of
development for the welfare of the people'.
Maoists Friday night released the five policemen, abducted Jan
25 from a passenger bus in Narayanpur district,
unconditionally to a team of social and rights activists led
by Agnivesh after the government agreed to a ceasefire to help
him facilitate the release.
Noting that the Dandakaranya region in Chhattisgarh is the
epicentre of Maoist activities in
India, Agnivesh said: 'This abduction and subsequent release
is a turning point. We have to explore on whether a peace
process could begin from Chhattisgarh. If it happens, it will
be a new beginning.'
He also appealed to the Chhattisgarh government to review all
those cases in which people were being detained just on the
basis of mere suspicion as Maoists. |