President urges Maoists to join for talk

     Raipur, June 24, 2011: President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil today appealed to the Maoists and extremist groups operating in the country to shun violence and join for a talk, saying violence leads to nowhere.

     “I appeal to the Maoists and others involved in violence, to leave violence and engage in talks,” the President said addressing a special session of the Chhattisgarh Assembly at Raipur.

      Expressing concern over the large scale Maoist related violence in Chhattisgarh and other places, which had claimed several lives, President Patil said for the development of the nation not only having peace but also its continuation were essential.

     “Nothing could be achieved through the path of violence. It leaves a trail of destruction and pain,” she said.

     Underlining the importance of talk, Patil said any magnitude of problem can be resolved through talk and discussion.

     “Violence and killings are condemnable offences and that cannot be accepted by any civilised society,” she said.

     “I appeal to the Maoists and others involved in violence, to leave violence and engage in talks,” the President said.

    They should also join the mainstream and allow the development of the tribals in this country, she appealed to the groups and organisations involved in violent activities against India.

     The President earlier on the day arrived on a two-day tour of the capital city to inaugurate the Central Hall of the State Assembly and to participate in the marriage ceremony of the son of State Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh among others.