23 February,2010 12:03 PM IST | | Agencies
The government is ready to hold unconditional talks with Maoists if they abjure violence, a home ministry statement released here said on Tuesday.
"I would like a short simple statement from the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) saying they will abjure violence and we are prepared for talks. I would like no ifs, no buts and no conditions," said the statement quoting Home Minister P Chidambaram.
"I would like the statement to be faxed to 011-23093155. Once I receive the statement I shall consult the prime minister and other colleagues and respond promptly," said the statement.
The Maoists on Monday declared they were game for a dialogue, but the government would have to first halt security operations against them for 72 days. The move comes three days after Home Minister P Chidambaram's offer to talk with the rebels if they stopped violence for 72 hours.
