Hinting at a new beginning for peace talks in Kashmir, Home Minister P Chidambaram hoped a starting point will be found soon to help break the vicious cycle of violence and re-start the process of dialogue. Addressing the conference of DGPs and IGPs in New Delhi yesterday, the Home Minister said that there is no let up in the attempts to infiltrate militants into India as well as attempts to radicalize young men and women. Mr. Chidambaram also talked about the recently uncovered phenomenon of saffron terrorism that has been implicated in many bomb blasts in the past. Mr. Chidambaram regretted that there has no direct and credible response to the offer of talks by the government to the CPI Maoists. He said that security forces have been able to re-assert the control of the states in several affected districts despite setbacks in Gadhchiroli, Silda, Tadmetla and Chingavaram. The Home Minister said that the people need to understand that this conflict will be long run and patience is required and said that it will take several years before CPI Maoists are contained. He said that 424 civilians have been killed this year alone and 192 were killed after they were named as police informers.
Referring to the North-East, Mr. Chidambaram said the incidents of violence have dramatically come down in these states because the government is engaged in talks with various groups. He expressed the hope that ULFA will also formally come forward for talks with the Centre and the Assam government. Mr. Chidambaram has also appealed to the groups in the North East who have stayed away from talks to give up violence and accept the offer of talks with the government and enter into agreements of cease-fire and suspension of operations. Expressing his dismay that petty disputes trigger conflicts between communities and groups, Mr. Chidambaram said, there is a need to remain vigilant and asked police officials to deal with the situation firmly at the first sign of outbreak communal and caste violence. The Home Minister also presented police medals to the officials of Intelligence Bureau.
