Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh has said that mining leases of the private companies for the Saranda Range in Jharkhand should be cancelled, and no further lease should be given to any private company.

Speaking to the media at Ranchi on Monday . Accusing the Maoists and their synthesizers of double speak, Mr. Ramesh said that although Maoists publically denounce private mining companies, but in private, they want such company to operate so that they can collect huge levies.

AIR Ranchi Correspondent reports that after meeting the Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda on Monday at Ranchi, Mr. Ramesh expressed confidence that the ongoing Saranda Action Plan and soon to begin Saryu Development Plan would act as role models for other naxal affected states in the country.