Suri: One of the key interlocutors
assigned to broker peace with the Maoists on Sunday took exception
to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's "selection of
words" in describing the cadres.
Sujato Bhadro, who heads the six-member team of
interlocutors, said the chief minister should be "more careful
in her selection of words" in future.
"It is true that political tension still exists in the
relationship between the government and the Maoists. But such
comments may only create political grudge," he told a press
conference.
Bhadro was referring to use of words like 'supari
killers' or 'jungle mafia' by Banerjee yesterday at a rally at
Jhargram in West Midnapore district.
Bhadro, in town to attend the first district conference
of the 'Bandi Mukti Committee', however, hoped the comments
would not spoil the peace process.
He pointed out that at the very beginning of the peace
negotiation on July seven, it was decided that the Maoists
would declare a ceasefire and the government would withdraw
joint forces.
"The Maoists have kept their words. But the joint forces
are yet to be withdrawn," he pointed out, observing that all
the pre-conditions must be fulfilled and an environment of
faith be created before the talks.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, October 16, 2011, 21:24