Bhubaneswar: Slamming the Centre`s move to launch a massive anti-Maoist operation after the May 25 Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh, activist Swami Agnivesh on Monday said a dialogue with the ultras would be more beneficial for the country instead of counter-violence.
"Maoists are ready for talks. A counter-violence will further escalate tension in the three states of Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand," Agnivesh told reporters here.
Claiming that Maoist leaders were ready for talks with the government, Agnivesh said he had already spoken to Kobad Ghandy in Tihar jail and CPI (Maoist) Politburo member Narayan Sanyal at a Chhattisgarh jail on the issue. They, however, want both sides to abjure violence for three months, he said.
Agnivesh condemned the May 25 Maoist attack which lives of 27 people. The activist claimed that many innocent tribals would be killed if the government launched a massive anti-Maoist operation.
"A `boli` (talk) can resolve the problem and not `goli` (bullet), he said.
The activist alleged that in several instances innocent tribals, including children, have been killed in anti-Maoist operations. "I condemn both the police operation and Maoist attacks. I do not support any kind of violence, be it from Maoist or police," Agnivesh said in response to a media query.
PTI
