Bangalore: Striking a tough posture, Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh today (Oct 14, 2004) warned that the Government could not remain a mute spectator to the unlawful activities of Naxalites and rejected pleas for halting police operations.

Expressing concern over the rise in Naxal movement in parts of Malnad region during a meeting with the Citizens Initiative For Peace, a forum espousing the cause of those fighting for justice to landless and small farmers, he told them that Naxals should not vitiate peace and create trouble.

The Forum's convenors and journalist Gowri Lankesh and Sridhar, speaking to reporters after the meeting, said the Chief Minister asked them to instruct Naxals to maintain peace in the region.

Singh, refusing to issue directions to police to stop the ongoing combing operations, which has been stepped up since last week, after Naxal groups turned active and held meetings in parts of Chikmagalur district said, "I can't ask police to remain silent spectators, when Naxals create problems".

However, Singh reiterated that the Government was willing to talk to Naxal groups, provided they create a congenial atmosphere for dialogue.

Gowri said that the Chief Minister himself volunteered to hold talks with Naxal groups.