Resolve Maoist issue through talks, says archbishop of Kolkata

March 29, 2012: The Maoist issue in the North Indian state of West Bengal could be resolved through a process of dialogue, said Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Kolkata.

By initiating humanitarian service in the affected areas, the rebels could be brought to the negotiating table, he said on Wednesday.

"Our solution to the (Maoist) problem is one of prayer, reconciliation and service," he said replying to a query on whether the Church had any solution to the Maoist issue.

Talking to the media on the sidelines of the Regional Mission Congress, the prelate said that the Church’s work in education and healthcare can help bring about reconciliation and can pave the way for a dialogue.

He said the Church’s missions in West Midnapore were doing well in Maoists areas and were quite reconciled with the people there.

However, he lamented that the Church has not been able to reach out to Maoists active in the deep jungles of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts.

Earlier, Apostolic Nuncio Salvatore Pennachhio celebrated Mass to mark the close of the Mission Congress.

It was attended by bishops, priests and laity from the diocese of Asansol, Bagdogra, Baruipur, Kolkata, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Krishnagar and Raigunj.