'If Maoists halt violence, Centre will facilitate talks'

The Centre on Friday said it will persuade the state governments to talk to the Maoists on aspects like land reforms and land acquisitions if they stop violence.

The Centre on Friday said it will persuade the state governments to talk to the Maoists on aspects like land reforms and land acquisitions if they stop violence.

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Union Home Minister P Chidambaram made it clear that no talks could be held in an atmosphere of violence.

"We never said lay down the arms...We said halt the violence and talk...If they halt violence, the Centre will persuade the state governments to talk to them on issues like land reforms, land acquisitions," he told reporters in New Delhi.

"If they halt violence, we will facilitate talks. I cannot ask state governments to talk when there is widespread violence," Chidambaram said.

He said if the Maoists are "serious champions of the poor", they should come forward for talks.

The Home Minister said Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh had attempted to hold talks with the Maoists but the moves were "futile".

He said the Cabinet Committee on Security has decided to provide help to the states affected by the naxal violence.