WB interlocutors say talks on, offensive against rebels continues

West Bengal government-appointed interlocutors on asserted that the dialogue process with Maoists to restore peace in the 'junglemahal' area is on even as the offensive against the rebels continued.

Two top rebel leaders, including state secretary and spokesman Akash, escaped a joint raid by security forces in the forested area between Bankisole and Aulgeria in the Salboni region, in the early hours, police said.

The assertion assumes significance as only three more days are left before the deadline, laid down by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the Maoists to lay down arms expires.

"The dialogue process is on and talks for peace will continue," leader of the interlocutors Sujato Bhadra said after meeting Banerjee at the state secretariat. "The seven-day ultimatum is not yet over and we have not discussed it," Bhadra said.

Meanwhile, social activist Mahashweta Devi has demanded immediate withdrawal of joint forces and expressed her reservation about the ultimatum.

"I think the seven-day deadline given to them is not enough. Many more rounds of discussion are required to resolve the crisis," the Magsaysay awardee, who has worked for decades for the tribals in 'junglemahal' area, said.

"I will talk to the chief minister at the next opportunity," the 86-year-old social activist told reporters.

The Maoists had earlier offered a one-month truce to the state government which was rejected. Akash last month said that in order to facilitate talks, the Maoists would restrain from using arms for a month if the state government stopped joint operations in 'junglemahal'.