Kathmandu, September 29:

Assistant minister for physical planning and works, Jagat Gauchan, said today that talks with the Maoists are possible only after they laid down arms completely. “We are ready to hold talks but they must first lay down arms,” he said, addressing an interaction on Melamchi water project. After almost a month of unilateral truce of the Maoists, he said, “We are seriously studying their truce.” He said the Maoists will be given jobs if they lay down their weapons.