Collector abduction: No compromise with Maoists, says Jitendra Singh

Jaisalmer, Apr 22 (ANI): Minister of State for Home Jitendra Singh on Sunday said the Central Government would never compromise with the violent ways of the Maoists, but was ready to have talks with them and resolve conflicts amicably.

Singh said the government had announced a special package for Maoists, who were ready to put down arms and join the mainstream society.

"We can have talks with the Maoists urging them to leave Maoism but we cannot compromise with them. We can sit and have rounds of talks and ask them to put down their arms and ammunition," said Singh.

"We have also declared a package for the welfare of the Maoists who agree to shun violence and join the mainstream society as we have done for the militants who agree to put down their arms. We have made special arrangements and provide them a package and also give them jobs," he added.

The Minister of State for Home's comments comes in the wake of recent abduction of Chhattisgarh Collector Alex Paul Menon by the ultras.

In an audacious daylight operation, Maoist rebels on Saturday abducted Alex Paul Menon from the middle of a meeting with villagers.

Menon, an IAS officer of 2006 batch, was kidnapped from Majhipara village in Keralapal area of the Naxal-infected district.

The Sukma district collector's kidnapping comes even as uncertainty continues over the fate of ruling BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka in neighbouring Odisha who was abducted by the Maoists about a month ago.

Menon is the first collector of the newly-created Sukma district and was known to be pro-active in undertaking development work in the backward region. (ANI)