'Maoists in Lalgarh have a few basic demands'

"The Maoists in Lalgarh have a few basic demands for water, electricity, schools in their local language, compensation for deaths in the on-going violence and cases against them to be withdrawn. As many as 118 Maoists are willing to come to the negotiating table if the government can agree to these terms," Sri Ravishankar said.

Sri Ravishankar has conveyed the message of the Maoists, to the Home Minister P Chidambaram and the Governor of West Bengal,  Gopalkrishna Gandhi.

He has also been attempting to get in touch with the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya on this issue.

A representative of Sri Ravishankar will reach Lalgarh later on Friday in an attempt to bring peace to the region.