"Maoists are ready for talks. A counter-violence will further escalate tension in the three states of Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand," Agnivesh told reporters here.
Claiming that Maoist leaders were ready for talks with the government, Agnivesh said he had already spoken to Kobad Ghandy in Tihar jail and CPI (Maoist) Politburo member Narayan Sanyal at a Chhattisgarh jail on the issue. They, however, want both sides to abjure violence for three months, he said.
"A 'boli' (talk) can resolve the problem and not 'goli' (bullet), he said.
The activist alleged that in several instances innocent tribals, including children, have been killed in anti-Maoist operations. "I condemn both the police operation and Maoist attacks. I do not support any kind of violence, be it from Maoist or police," Agnivesh said in response to a media query.