Patna, Sep 2 (IANS) Responding to news reports that the Maoists had killed one of the four policemen they abducted on Sunday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Thursday said his government is ready for talks with the Leftwing rebels.

'We have been ready for talks,' Nitish Kumar said on the sidelines of a function in the state capital.

He also said the eight Maoists lodged in different jails in Bihar, whose release is being demanded by the Maoists, are being taken care of well, and he expected the rebels to mete the same treatment to the abducted policemen.

'We respect the human rights of any person arrested, because this is a democracy. We look after their health, and the Leftwing rebels are part of our society. We also expect the same treatment of our people (policemen) by the Maoists,' he said.

'There should have been talks across the table... I appeal to everyone to come forward. To make one a prisoner and then haggle, is not good. After all, the policemen were doing their duty.'

Maoists Thursday killed Abhay Kumar Yadav, one of the four Bihar policemen they abducted four days ago, following a decision by a 'jan adalat' or kangaroo court.

The Leftwing rebels killed Yadav six hours after their second deadline - at 10 a.m. -expired.

After killing Yadav, a sub-inspector, the Maoists said the fate of the remaining three policemen would be decided by 10 a.m. Friday if the state government failed to initiate a dialogue or negotiate with them.