While the West Bengal government is yet to respond to the Maoist's pre-condition for starting talks, Maoist sympathisers have asked Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to convince rebels of the state's sincere intention by taking positive steps.

"The seriousness should not be reflected only in words, but in work as well," long-standing Maoist sympathiser Varvara Rao told PTI.

Dandapani Mohanti, who negotiated with the cadres for the release of then Malkangiri collector R Vineel Krishna, said if the government behaves whimsically, it would send a very wrong signal and vitiate the atmosphere for talks.

The Maoists had asked for suspension of the joint forces operation in Jangalmahal.

Mohanti said if the West Bengal government really wants to talk to the Maoists, it will have to take some positive steps to convince the rebels of its sincerity of intention.

"The government in Orissa didn't keep a single promise it had made, embarrassing not only the interlocutors, but also setting a very wrong precedent," he said.

Rao said the first step is to stop the joint operation and thus send a signal that the government is keen to enter into dialogue with the ultras.

Maoist state committee spokesperson Akash had on September 30 sent an open letter to chief minister Mamata Banerjee, expressing anguish that the government was bent on continuing anti-Maoist operation side-by-side with talks.

"We are serious about peace talks and ready for a ceasefire. We had given a specific proposal to the two interlocutors, headed by Sujato Bhadro, during our first meeting that the government has to stop anti-Maoist operation and show willingness for peace," the letter said.

Akash's statement was a rejoinder to Banerjee's ultimatum given three days prior to the letter, asking the Maoists to choose between talks and killings.

Since September 20, two Trinamool Congress leaders were killed in West Midnapore district prompting the chief minister's outburst.

The letter also pointed out that a congenial atmosphere was required for talks and it would be possible only when private organisers like 'Janajagaran Mancha' and 'Bhairav Bahini' stop their anti-Maoist activities.

The letter was issued a day after Banerjee held a meeting with the interlocutors and gave a go-ahead to carry forward the peace talks.