Mamata Banerjee urges Maoists in West Bengal to give up arms

New Delhi, Oct 22(ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today urged Maoists to give up arms and resolve all issues through dialogue.

Banerjee reiterated that the state government would extend all possible help if the rebels came to negotiating table and disarmed themselves.

"We can discuss. We can negotiate. If they (Maoists) listen it's good. We don't love bloodshed. We don't love bloodbath. We don't encourage the killings. I feel that all our brothers and sisters, they should come at (to) the national stream of our party. Whatever they want the advantage from the government, the government is willing. Whoever will be coming in (into) the national stream, we will give full package," Banerjee told reporters in New Delhi.

The West Bengal chief even praised a section of ultras for their intellectual ability.

"Naxalites (Maoists), they are so many groups, all are not bad. I am telling you (media). There are some people, they are very good people, their brain is also good. One section may be, they don't believe in democracy. It is their prerogative. We want that they should come into national force. This is not the matter. They contested (election) against us but we won the seat," added Banerjee.

The ultras had given a call for 24-hour shutdown in three districts of the state on Saturday to defy Banerjee's seven-day deadline to lay down arms and join peace talks.

As a result, security has been steeped up in districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia to avert any untoward incident as Banerjee's ultimatum came to an end. The normal life was crippled during the strike, as shops remained closed and vehicles were off road. (ANI)