Daijiworld Media Network - Hassan (SP)

Hassan, Nov 21: Speaking at Arasikere near here on Thursday November 20, home minister Dr V S Acharya informed that the government is prepared to talk to the naxals, provided they are ready to forgo their arms and be prepared for a dialogue.

Speaking to reporters during his brief stay at the town on his way to Chikamagalur from Bangalore, the minister said that the naxal menace so far has mainly bothered the coastal and Malnad districts of the state. "The government has made all preparations to face the naxal problem. We have supplied modern arms to the anti-naxal squad," he said.

After the BJP government was formed in the state, 40% of the arms held by the naxals have been wrested from them. This is an achievement of the new state government, he said. The government, in addition to regulating naxal activities, also is working to solve social problems faced by people living in forest areas and develop these hamlets, he said.

BJP leaders D B Gangadhar and A N Durgappa Shetty were present on the occasion.