Maoist problem political issue, needs political solution: CPI(M)

CPI(M) Sunday said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's seven-day deadline to the Maoists to lay down arms would only complicate the problem and demanded a political solution.

"Maoist problem is a political issue and therefore it needs a political solution," CPI(M) state secretary Biman Bose told reporters reacting to the Chief Minister's ultimatum to the rebels yesterday at a rally in West Midnapore district.

The seven-day ultimatum would not help resolve the issue, rather it would exacerbate the conflict, Bose observed.

"The Chief Minister should clear her stand on the issue and there is a need to understand the problem before taking any initiative to resolve it," the Marxist veteran said.

At the Jhargram rally yesterday, Banerjee had warned the ultras that violence would not be tolerated any more, saying "killings and negotiations cannot go hand in hand."