No money exchanged hands for Menon's release: Raman Singh

New Delhi: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh has clarified that no money exchanged hands to free Sukma Collector Alex Paul Menon.

Speaking to IBN18 Editor-in-chief Rajdeep Sardesai on India@9, he said that time has come for unified policy to deal with Naxals across states.

Here is an excerpt from the interview:

Rajdeep Sardesai: There are reports that on the Alex Paul Menon abduction, a backroom deal was struck with the Maoists, to ensure the Collector's freedom including a possible ransom being paid. Was there any kind of backroom deal, Raman Singhji?

Raman Singh: See, whatever policy, whatever decision was taken, our negotiators have sat through continuous talks for three to four days to come to it. I was told the decision, as I was not present during the negotiations. There is no possibility that a back hand deal took place regarding this issue, because the negotiations took place openly. What I have and will do today, I will be questioned about it 10 years from now. I can vouch for the actions of the state with full authority, and say that our negotiators are committed to the nation, they may have disagreements amongst themselves, but I cannot question their commitment and character. The notion of a back hand deal is nothing more than a rumour.

Rajdeep Sardesai: Are you saying in a sense, Raman Singhji, all Naxal affected states and the Centre should now follow one single policy when the Naxals abduct anyone, in all hostage situations?

Raman Singh: I think that for the Naxal problem, and I am going to put this proposal in front of the Prime Minister, the entire country should have a common policy for dealing with hostage situations, which should be followed in all states and districts, because this is not a state-specific problem. This is a common problem for all states. So we should make a policy and that policy should be implemented by all states. State chief ministers must meet to discuss the issue and create a policy for the country.
Source http://ibnlive.in.com/news/no-money-exchanged-hands-for-menon-raman-singh/254843-3.html