Buddha meets Chidambaram, discusses Maoist violence

New Delhi, Oct 11 (PTI) Chief Minister of India's eastern
state of West Bengal Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Sunday met Indian
Home Minister P Chidambaram in the Indian national capital New
Delhi and discussed problems relating to tackling of Maoist
violence and coordinated action against the menace with
neighbouring states.

The meeting came days after Indian Cabinet Committee on
Security approved a new plan under which coordinated action
will be undertaken to prevent violence by the Left extremists
in selected areas and development activities will be carried
out of on a war-footing there.

Before approval, the new plan was discussed threadbare by
the Indian government and the affected states like Jharkhand,
Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and West
Bengal.

Bhattacharjee, who is here to attend the Communist Party
of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Politburo meeting, had a 45-minute
breakfast meeting with Chidambaram at the latter's residence.

Though there was no official word on the meeting,
informed sources said Maoist violence in West Bengal was the
prime focus of discussion. The ruling CPI(M) has been facing
the brunt of Maoist attacks for over a year now, with almost
80 of its leaders and supporters being killed.

Last week, a prominent Maoist leader had said in Kolkata
that they were ready to speak to West Bengal government but
laid a series of conditions including release of its leaders
and ceasefire and had ruled out laying down of arms.

"We are ready for a discussion but the government should
first declare ceasefire (which will be) followed by us,"
Maoist leader Kishenji told PTI from an undisclosed location.

With Maoists striking at will, Chidambaram has warned
them of action if they did not abjure violence. The Centre has
already issued an appeal for talks with the CPI(Maoist)
provided they lay down arms,

According to the new plan worked out by the Indian Home
Ministry, the anti-Maoist operations will be undertaken in
states affected by Left-wing extremism and would be assisted
by the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action, a central
force.

According to the Ministry, the Maoists have their
influence in 20 states across India. "Over 2,000 police
station areas in 223 districts in these states are partially
or substantially affected by the menace," Chidambaram had said
recently.

The latest incidents of violence include beheading of a
police inspector in Jharkhand and 17 policemen being gunned
down by Maoists in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district. PTI ARC
ANU