Yechury welcomes bid to bring Naxals under democratic process

CPI(M) Politburo member Sitaram Yechuri today said any effort to bring Naxals under the democratic process was welcome, a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called upon the ultras to lay down arms and offered rehabilitation.

"Any effort that is made to bring the Maoists under the democratic process is welcome, no matter who makes it," Yechuri told reporters here after filing his nomination for re-election to the Rajya Sabha.

But he sought to add a rider, saying "the transparency and sincerity of the offer are to be seen"."Be the then Naxalites or today's Naxals, we have said that they should shun the path of guns and join the democratic system. But the Naxals have not responded positively yet," the CPI(M) leader said.

In the case of the present government, the terms and conditions of the offer would have to be judged, he said.Mamata Banerjee yesterday gave a call to the ultras to lay down arms, saying those willing to surrender will be offered rehabilitation and a special package.