No dialogue unless Naxals shun violence: Govt

The Centre made it clear in LS that there will be no dialogue with Naxalites unless they agreed to abjure violence and give up arms.

The Centre on Monday made it clear in Lok Sabha that there will be no dialogue with Naxalites unless they agreed to abjure violence and give up arms.

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Making a statement on a calling attention notice by BJP deputy leader VK Malhotra, Home Minister Shivraj Patil said Government viewed the Naxalite menace "very seriously".

He said Government "remains committed to providing all possible help to coordinate and supplement efforts and resources of Naxal-affected states to successfully counter the menace".

The Minister said states have been asked to post young and committed officers both in civil and police administration with a stable tenure in Naxal-affected districts.

Such officers should be given greater delegation of power and flexibility to improve governance and ensure better delivery systems to facilitate rapid people-centric developmental activities in these areas under various schemes.

"Government is aware of the threat caused by the Naxalite menace and remains fully committed and determined to combating it," he said.

While Government's policy was to address the menace simultaneously on various fronts in a "holistic and coordinate manner", he said, "There will be no dialogue with Naxalites unless they abjure violence and give up arms".