Maoists should state what kind of talks they want: Mamata Banerjee

Asking the Maoists to "come back to mainstream", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said they should state whether they would like talks at the political or administrative level for which a venue could be fixed.

The Maoists, who had offered to hold parleys with her government, should make it clear whether they preferred political or administrative-level talks, Banerjee said.

She said that an empowered committee was negotiating with Maoists in Junglemahal, "My government's priority is to resolve the issue through negotiations."

"Their (Maoists) movement is ideological. They don't believe in democracy. But we do. I don't mind the ideological conflict. But I mind atrocities on the common people. This should stop," Banerjee said.

Asking the Maoists to come forward and work for development and peace, she said, "If any of you want to come to the mainstream, we have announced a special package for you."

The chief minister also expressed suspicion that the CPI(M) was 'playing tricks' in guise of Maoists in some cases.