Mamata defends Lalgarh remark over Azad's killing

[dee]

New Delhi: Railway Minister Mamta Banerji today said she stands by her statement during the Lalgarh rally on August 9 where she questioned the killing of Maoist leader Azad at the hands of security forces. The statement had created a furore in Parliament.

"Whatever I said in Lalgarh as a Trinamool chief, I stick to it. In our democratic set up we always prefer an amicable settlement and peaceful solution and we want all the people to come out through the national stream," she said.

Appealing to Maoists to give up violence, Mamata had described Azad's killing in an encounter with security forces as murder and even paid tribute to the Maoist leader.

"I feel the way Azad was killed is not correct. I feel the process of holding talks with the Maoists should start. We pay respect to his soul from this meeting, Mamata said at the rally.


Maoist leader Koteshwar Rao better known as Kishenji on Tuesday offered a three-month conditional ceasefire for the initiation of a peace process.

Top among Kishenji's conditions are pulling out joint forces and an investigation into maoist leader said Azad's encounter. About reports that union minister Mamata Banerjee mediating talks, Kishanji said she is welcome.

Reacting to Maoists offer of talks, Mamata said she would look into the details first.


Mamata defends Lalgarh remark over Azad's killing

 

[dee]

'Offer proves Mamata-Maoist nexus'

The Left Front has lashed out today (August 18) at Trinamool Congress chief and Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee saying that Koteshwar Rao's 'peace offer' proved there was a Mamata-Maoist nexus.

Banerjee is on a sticky wicket after Maoist leader Koteshwar Rao reportedly said in an interview to the media that the Naxals wanted the TMC chief to be the mediator between them and the government for talks.

"He (Koteshwar Rao) cannot set conditions like this. If he wants to talk to the government he has to convey it to the Government. What is this media relayed information? It clearly shows they have a nexus with TMC. The nexus has been proved. It is what we have been saying all along. And he is putting a front," said CPI leader D Raja. CPM Politbuo member Sitaram Yechury said there was no question of Banerjee or TMC mediating because the two entities were 'collaborating'.

"The Maoists and the Trinmool have been working together. They are collaborating, so you cannot have any one of them being the mediator to try and ease the violence and tension. The point is simple: They (Maoists) have to abjure violence as the Home Minister has said. If they want to talk, it is up to them, let them say they have ceased violence, and the Home Minister has informed the country and the House that he is willing to talk to them," he said to reporters today (August 18).

The Government is verifiying the authencity of this reported Maoist overture before formulating a response, choosing to move cautiously this time. Sources in the West Bengal police say the offer could be a nothing less then a ploy to buy time and regroup. The sources say the offer comes at a time when Maoists feel cornered and want time to reorganise themselves. Sources say that Maoists may call off talks mid-way and strike back if security forces are withdrawn.

Rao suggested a three-month ceasefire by both sides and talks for a peace process. The Maoists leader claimed there were some reports from the PMO that Mamata Banerjee has been asked to work as a mediator and if she agrees, then they would have no problem.

Koteshwar Rao also suggested some names of mediators, like a group of intellectuals including writer Arundhati Roy, singer and Trinamool Congress MP Kabir Suman, B D Sharma, Gopal Narlekar and Ramanna.

Mamata who already faced a backlash over her suggested links with the Maoists and Koteshwar Rao's support for her rally in Lalgarh and might just be in a tight spot over this issue.


'Offer proves Mamata-Maoist nexus'- TIMESNOW.tv - Latest Breaking News, Big News Stories, News Videos

 

[third eye]

She has used the Maoists to further herself and wrestle her way into WB .

Once she becomes the CM in WB she will sell the nation in the same wayas the Communists did.

Her opposition to Nano @ Singur falls into place as it furthered the Maoists and embrassed the Communists.

Politicians will sell their own Grandmother for minor gains.