Bhubaneswar: Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Monday called upon the Maoists to shun violence and join the mainstream.
"We believe in peace. Peace is necessary for development. Development cannot be achieved through violence," Patnaik said after unfurling national flag on the 65th Independence Day here.
"I appeal to the left-wing extremists to shun violence and join the mainstream," Patnaik said while speaking in Oriya. He also highlighted various programmes his government has initiated for the overall development of the state.
IANS
First Published: Monday, August 15, 2011, 11:59