Amit Shah rejects ceasefire offer from Naxals, asks them to lay down arms

New Delhi, Sep 28 (PTI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday rejected the ceasefire offer given by Maoists, saying if the extremists want to surrender and lay down arms, they are most welcome to do so and security forces would not fire a single bullet on them.

This is the first time that a top central government functionary has reacted to the ceasefire offer given by the Naxals about a fortnight ago.

"Recently, to spread confusion, a letter was written stating that what has happened so far has been a mistake, that a ceasefire should be declared, and that we (Naxals) want to surrender. I want to say there will be no ceasefire. If you want to surrender, there is no need for a ceasefire. Lay down your arms, not a single bullet will be fired", Shah said.