Tags:
Journalism of Courage
As a ceasefire declared on May 10 by the banned People’s War Group (PWG) ended today, the possibility of direct talks between its leadership and the Andhra Pradesh government, Naxalite sources said, hinge on the latter’s response on three counts.
These are: declaration of a ceasefire, lifting of the ban on the group during talks and withdrawal of cash rewards on Naxal leaders.
Sources said these conditions are the minimum for direct talks at a later stage. The PWG is also not in favour of unilaterally extending the ceasefire without a matching response. However, sources said, the Naxal group will continue to exercise restraint.
Of the three the PWG is expecting the government, the last — withdrawal of cash reward for fugitives — may not be difficult to concede.
But it is doubtful if it would declare ceasefire and partially relax the ban. The next round of talks is slated for June 20.
