Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Release of political prisoners, distribution of land to the landless, ensuring social justice to disadvantaged sections, creation of Telangana State, development of Rayalaseema and North Andhra areas and imposition of prohibition are among the 11 issues proposed to be taken up by the Naxalites during talks with the Andhra Pradesh Government.
Decks have been cleared for the first round of direct talks between the government and the Naxalite leaders here on October 15 with a broad agreement emerging on modalities that should be in force during the period of dialogue.
The agreement was reached at a meeting between the government, PWG and Jana Sakthi emissaries here today. Vara Vara Rao, Kalyan Rao, Gadar, Chandranna and Ch Srinivasa Rao handed over the ML parties’ agenda for the meeting to Home Minister K. Jana Reddy. The other issues in the ML parties’ proposed agenda are: Withdrawal of cases against those who took part in people’s movements, doing away with rewards on revolutionaries, winding up private armies allegedly maintained by police (all coming under ‘‘steps for creation of an atmosphere of democracy’’), social justice to Dalits, equal rights to women, protection of interests of adivasis and minorities (all coming under problems of social groups), education and health, rooting out corruption and steps to prevent the ill-effects of feudal and imperialist culture.
Jana Reddy informed the emissaries that he would discuss their agenda with the government representatives as he was contemplating amendments. ‘‘After discussion, we will submit our draft agenda to the government for approval,’’ Jana Reddy told mediapersons later.
The contentious issue of arms will come up during the second round of talks, Vara Vara Rao said.
Provision of safe passage to PWG and Jana Sakthi leaders forms part of the agreement. ‘‘Security to the leaders will be the responsibility of the government from October 11 when the leaders would make their first public appearance in Guntur district,’’ PWG emissary Vara Vara Rao said.
Other points touched upon include level playing field for both sides, respect for each others’ views and allowing experts to take part in talks.
There was agreement on the ML parties’ proposal to hold subsequent rounds of talks at three places in the state. The party suggested Warangal, Guntur, Visakhapatnam and Anantapur of which three would be selected as the venues.
