Patna: Central and state governments should take immediate steps to hold direct talks with Maoists to find a lasting solution to the problem, RJD president Lalu Prasad said on Saturday.
"Violence can`t be countered by indulging in another act of violence. Operation Green Hunt can`t be a good weapon to counter the growing activities of the Maoists," Prasad told a press conference here.
Direct talks with the ultras were the need of the hour to find a permanent solution to the Maoist problem, he said.
Claiming that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had "an old bond" with People`s War Group as a negotiator, Prasad said the JD-U leader should be engaged for talks with leaders of the ultra-left outfit.
Operation Green Hunt had "several shortcomings and I disapprove of any action that could be dangerous for civilians," he said.
PTI