PATNA: There was no deal with Maoists to secure the release of three policemen abducted over a week ago, Bihar Chief Minister, Mr Nitish Kumar said on Monday and asserted that the government has been “firm on unconditional talks” with the rebels.

“There was no deal. The government was firm on unconditional talks. We did everything possible. I feel that our appeal after the all-party meeting (Saturday) helped end the crisis,” Mr Nitish Kumar told reporters here. “I’m grateful to all political parties for making a joint appeal to the Maoists.” “The three released policemen have been sent to their homes,” he said. While Mr Ehsan Khan hails from Jharkhand, Mr Rupesh Kumar Sinha and Mr Abhay Yadav belong to Bihar. The fourth abducted cop, Lucas Tete was, however, killed by the rebels on September 3. Mr Nitish Kumar said he regretted the killing of Tete, who too belonged to Jharkhand.
The Bihar Chief Minister also thanked the media and the public for pitching in. He, however, said he could not guarantee that such incidents would not occur again. “Nobody can guarantee that such incidents will not be repeated,” he said. He stressed that the onus of security was not just on states and said that central forces be provided for the Bihar assembly elections to be held later this year.
Addressing a press conference hours after the three policemen were released, Mr Kumar said helicopters should also be deployed for aerial surveillance and the state government would bear the expenses for that. He also appealed to the Maoists to shun violence and join the mainstream. “The thinking that through violence, you can achieve your goals is wrong. Come to the mainstream. The elections are coming. Be in the midst of people,” he said adding that Maoists should face people in the elections.