Janakpurdham, November 12:

Local Development Minister Ram Chandra Jha, also a member of the government’s talk

team, conceded that he had held informal talks with armed groups.

Jha, who returned to Janakpur on Wednesday after a four-day visit to Madhubani and Darbhanga districts of Bihar, said, “We have had an informal talk. Once the armed outfits come to the negotiating table, we will hold talks on their demands and preconditions.” Conceding that he had established contact with representatives of some armed outfits, the minister said the contacted groups were ready for talks. “They wanted to meet me directly and hold talks, but I didn’t think it necessary,” added Jha. Earlier, Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Bam Dev Gautam said 11 Tarai outfits have been invited for talks. However, some of the groups have been claiming that they did not get official letters though they were ready for talks. Saying the government should create a conducive environment for talks, the outfits have put forth a number of pre-conditions. Among others, they have been seeking the release of arrested leaders and guaranteed security for their talks teams.