The question has arisen again after the CPI(Maoist) general secretary Ganapathy told The Times of India in an interview that his outfit was willing to talk if the arrested rebel leaders were released from custody. Many senior Maoists leaders like Narayan Sanyal, Kobad Gandhi, Amitabha Bagchi and Sushil Roy are in various jails at present.

Of course, this is not the only pre-condition for talks. Another senior Maoist leader, Kishenji, had expressed willingness to talk a day earlier if the government stopped its operations against the rebels.

On the other hand, Home Minister P Chidambaram has consistently maintained that talks would be held if the rebels shun violence. That is something the rebels don't seem to be in mood for.

Maoist-influenced states are witnessing frequent bandhs and violence unleashed by the rebels who are protesting against the security operation. The latest one being the 72-hour band in five states during which the rebels blasted railway tracks in Jharkhand and Orissa.

In such a situation, should the government reconsider its decision and hold peace talks? At least in the interest of ordinary people caught in the crossfire? That is the question we are asking you today.