Naxal violence has no place in democracy, remarked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on Wednesday, during the Chief Ministers’ summit on internal security.

Addressing the chief ministers and chief secretaries of various states, the Prime Minister said the Centre and states must join hands to curb violence by Maoists. He also said the government was willing to talk to all extremist groups within the ambit of Constitution.

Expressing concern on the increase in crimes against women and children, Dr. Singh said, “We must ensure setting up of institutional mechanism for safety of women and children especially in urban areas.”

He also mentioned that the previous year saw a significant improvement in security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have chosen not to attend the meet and have sent their representatives to read out their speeches.