Mamata Banerjee welcomes Kishenji's talks offer

Unfazed by criticism, Trinamool Congress chief, Mamata Banerjee today stuck to her stand that the killing of a top Maoist leader Azad and welcomed Maoist leader Kishenji's ceasefire offer saying, all problems should be solved through dialogue.

"In a democratic set up we are for amicable and peaceful solution. I have heard the Independence day speeches of the president and the prime minister. They also spoke on the same lines," the railway minister told reporters here before leaving for Delhi.

"If they (Maoists) respond to the president's and prime minister's appeal it is good for the country. Let the problem be solved through democratic process," she said.

Referring to Kishenji's statement calling for a three-month ceasefire by both sides and that they have no problem if Banerjee mediates, she said " It is the government to decide. I have seen only media reports (on Kishenji's statement). Let me cross check all details."

On her statement on the killing of senior Maoist leader Azad during her recent rally at Lalgarh on August 9, Banerjee said "Whatever I had said in Lalgarh I stick to it. I made the statement in my political capacity."