Mamata Banerjee asks Maoists to hold talks with govt, stop killings

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee today urged Maoists to stop violence and hold talks with the government.

"Let the peace process start from today. Let Bengal show the way for entire India. Let violence and killings stop. If you have a problem with me, social activists Medha Patkar and Swami Agnivesh can take the lead. But let the negotiations start," Banerjee told a rally organised by her under the 'Santras Birodhi Manch' (anti-terror platform) here.

"I can promise that I will do whatever necessary for the development of Junglemahal where there is no road, electricity or schools or colleges. If necessary I can consider setting up a railway factory here," she said.

Stating that the killing of Maoist leader Cherukuri Rajkumar alias Azad allegedly in a police encounter in Andhra Pradesh in early July was wrong, Banerjee claimed that social activist Swami Agnivesh had made him agree to talks with the government.

"What has happened is not proper. He was trying to begin the process of negotiations. We pray for his soul," the railway minister said addressing the rally in Lalgarh, a hotbed of Maoists.

"If you agree to stop the violence and killings, then negotiations can begin. Joint operations should also be withdrawn.

"Let the peace process start from today. I am telling my Maoist friends to ponder who will ultimately benefit from violence and terror," the Trinamool Congress chief said. 

"Tell us where and when you want to sit for talks. We want dialogue for peace and restoration of democracy and build a terror-free India," Banerjee said, adding that the Maoist problem could be solved through peace, negotiations and the democratic process.

Alleging that it was the CPI(M) which was benefiting from terror, she said, "I am telling you with folded hands let there be no more politics of killings. I don't want politics over deaths.

"If a CPI(M) man dies, he belongs to a family. If a Maoist dies, he also belongs to a family. If a Trinamool man dies, he also is a member of a family," she said.

In an emotional appeal, Banerjee said, "You can abuse me if you want, but should agree not to kill anyone. For this tell me what you want? I am even prepared to give my life. Tell me what you want and stop killings and violence." Urging the Maoists not to do anything to disrupt railway services, she said, "if train services are disrupted every day, how will I work? Sometimes some do it in your name, sometimes you do it."

Referring to her rally at Jhargram in January this year, Banerjee said that she had granted two trains to the area.

She said that development work like setting up of schools, roads and construction of roads in the area would be taken up which had been neglected by the ruling Left Front regime for the past 34 years.

Stating that she new that there were a large number of unemployed in the area, Banerjee said, if necessary, she would
consider setting up a railway factory in the area for generation of jobs.

She also said she would request the Centre to bring a bill to give rights to forest dwellers and adivasis. "It is their birthright."

Pointing out that she was in the government with only 19 Lok Sabha members, the railway minister said, "I know my limitations. The Centre does not always listen to us. But I am transparent."

Opposing land acquisition, Banerjee said that the railway ministry had a policy not to acquire land forcibly.

Accusing the CPI(M) of using the joint operations against Maoists to its political advantage, Banerjee alleged that Left cadre wearing uniforms of the police and CRPF were perpetrating atrocities on villagers.

"I am not blaming the state and central police for this. The leaders are to be blamed for misguiding them and allowing the CPI(M) cadre to unleash atrocities," she said. 

Referring to CPI(M)'s accusation on her party's links with Maoists, Banerjee said "It is no use criticising Mamata Banerjee. You are responsible for the violence."

She alleged that no development work was done by the Left Front government for the people of the region and central funds were diverted.

She said that it was a pity that of the 100 days work under NREGA people in Lalgarh only received 12 days work. 

She said similar rallies would be held in other places of West Midnapur district including Keshpur, Garbeta and Jhargram and urged Agivesh and Medha Patkar to join it.

Banerjee also promised to return the land to farmers in Singur that was acquired for the now aborted Nano car factory project there.