Bhubaneswar: Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has reiterated his offer to have dialogue with left wing extremists without preconditions while urging such outfits to shun the path of violence.

"I have repeatedly invited them to follow the path of peace," Patnaik said while replying to a debate on the supplementary demands relating to the Home department in the State Assembly last night (Dec 15, 2004).

Observing that the newly elected Andhra Pradesh Government had taken steps to open the path for negotiation with naxalites, the Chief Minister said that he had proposed to the Centre for construction of a highway from Vijayawada to Ranchi cutting across the naxal-infested areas.

Describing most problems being faced by tribals as essentially socio-economic in nature and not matters relating merely to law and order, he said the Government had to concentrate more on developmental and welfare projects.

These issues have to be addressed with compassion, he said adding that the Government had already ordered withdrawal of 2,500 cases pending against tribals relating to minor offences.

Besides, 11,500 cases relating to minor forest offences instituted against tribals had also been ordered to be withdrawn, he said.