To aid talks, Andhra lifts 8-year ban on PWG

In A significant step towards finding a solution to the Naxal problem, the Andhra Pradesh government today decided to lift the eight-year ba...

In A significant step towards finding a solution to the Naxal problem, the Andhra Pradesh government today decided to lift the eight-year ban on the PWG and allow the group to carry out its activities openly without causing breach to law and order.

The decision was taken by Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy who held an hour-long discussion with state Home Minister K. Jana Reddy and the government’s mediator for the peace talks — retired bureaucrat S.R. Sankaran — this evening. Top brass of the police was also present. The ban had been imposed on July 22, 1996.

‘‘We have taken the decision in the interests of the state and the people. I hope this will go a long way in establishing peace,’’ said Jana Reddy.

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Though no conditions were imposed, the government hoped that the PWG would not violate law and order. It was also decided that the organisation can conduct public meetings as long as it behaves.

The announcement came after hectic parleys the Home minister had with 11 mediators, including three PWG emissaries at the Secretariat, for four hours earlier in the day.

Asked whether this would embolden the PWG to regroup and mobilise money and weapons, the Home Minister said: ‘‘The ban removal is intended to allow them to function like any other political party. Any breach of peace and violence would be dealt with as per the law.’’

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