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Journalism of Courage
The first-ever talks between the outlawed People’s War Group (PWG) and the Andhra government began today with emissaries of the Naxal group demanding lifting of the ban to create an atmosphere conducive to the progress of talks. The government promised to discuss it.
The first round of talks between Ministers K. Vijayarama Rao and T. Sitaram and PWG nominees — writer Vara Vara Rao and balladeer Gadar — however, ended inconclusively. Both sides will meet again on June 9 to discuss modalities for a direct dialogue between the PWG and the government.
The talks began on a sour note amidst reports about the death of a CPI(ML) (Janasakthi) leader in an ‘‘encounter’’ in Karimnagar district.
Expressing unhappiness over the ‘‘fake encounters’’ and ‘‘stage-managed surrenders’’, Vara Vara Rao said the incidents strengthened their argument that ‘‘police continued to prevail over political will.’’
The Naxal emissaries also demanded lifting of cash awards on their leaders who would be taking part in the talks. Government delegate Vijayarama Rao said that the government would leave no stone unturned to create a conducive atmosphere for it.
