Ranchi, Jan 26 (IANS) Jharkhand Governor M.O.H. Farook and Chief Minister Shibu Soren, on the occasion of Republic Day Tuesday, appealed to the Maoists to shun violence and become part of the development of the state.

While Farook unfurled the national flag in state capital Ranchi, Chief Minister Shibu Soren did the honours in his constituency Dumka.

Addressing the gathering after hoisting the tricolour at the Morabadi Ground here, the governor appealed to Maoist rebels to join the mainstream of society.

He also took the opportunity to enumerate the work of the state government. He spelt out in detail the government's agenda for development of the people of the state.

'The government is of the view that the solution of the Maoist problem lies in providing a responsive and accountable administration to the people and implementation of the development and welfare schemes at ground level and also bringing back the alienated youths into the mainstream of development. We appeal alienated youths to give up violence and join the mainstream and contribute to the development of the society,' said Farook.

Soren, who represents Dumka in the Lok Sabha and is seeking election to the state assembly, stayed in his constituency and unfurled the tricolour there.

He too appealed to the Maoists to end violence and come forward for dialogue and become part of the development of the state.

There was heavy security in the state in view of the threat of Maoist violence. Security at important government buildings and railway stations was strengthened.

Maoist rebels in rural areas had called for a boycott of the Republic Day celebrations.