Rajnath asks Naxals to shun violence, join peace talks

He said there is no place for violence in India as people in the country don't accept it

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, on Saturday, appealed to Maoists to shun violence and join peace talks, saying if they give up arms, government was ready to discuss all their demands.

Addressing a 'Vikash Parv' rally on the completion of two years of the Modi government, Singh said there is no place for violence in India as people in the country don't accept it.

"I want to appeal to Naxals to shun violence as there is no place for violence in India. Let's come for talks. We are ready for talks and discuss all issues if you give up violence," he said.

Violence has to stop as it is a big hurdle in the way to development. Those who want welfare of the poor and common masses, they don't kill innocent, the Home Minister said.

"You may follow a different ideology but that does not mean that you will kill innocent," he said.

On Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said that infiltration declined by 50% and this was possible due to the efforts of security forces.

"Our border is fully protected. Earlier terrorists could easily sneak into the country. Now that is not possible," he said.