Hyderabad, June 16
Conceding a major demand of the outlawed PWG, the new Congress government in Andhra Pradesh today announced a three-month ceasefire to pave the way for a dialogue with the Naxalites.
The announcement by Home Minister K Jana Reddy came a day after PWG agreed for talks with the government but demanded ceasefire and safe passage for its representatives participating in the talks.
The other demands like constitution of a committee, comprising experts acceptable to both sides, to monitor implementation of ceasefire, safety and security for PWG representatives taking part in talks, have also been conceded by the government.
"By ordering stoppage of combing operations, the government is already implementing a virtual ceasefire.
However, in response to PWG's proposal, the government suggests a three-month (ceasefire) period," Reddy told reporters here this evening.
On lifting the ban on PWG, a major demand of the extremist group and civil rights organisations, Reddy said the matter would be considered at a later stage.
With positive signals emanating from both the sides, it was now widely expected that the process of talks would commence soon.
The previous TDP government had initiated talks with PWG in May-June 2002 but the Naxalite outfit had pulled out mid-way accusing the government of continuing 'fake police encounters'.
— PTI
