It looks like the new Congress government in Andhra Pradesh headed by Y S Rajasekhara Reddy means business. Perhaps he has learnt a lesson from his predecessor, Chandrababu Naidu’s follies of ignoring or procrastinating about what calls for immediate action. Hence, right on the first day of assuming office he declared a sop for the farmers by the waiver of tariff on electricity consumption.  Whether this move will generate the desired results or not is debatable but the intention is laudable. In another move, he has also expressed his willingness to engage in a dialogue process with the banned PWG Naxals to reach a meaningful solution. This move, many believe, is the best one taken over the past decade by a CM in power, it comes as a welcome relief after the repressive tactics adopted by Chandrababu Naidu during his tenure, and provides much needed respite to the police force that was concentrating its energies in nabbing (read eliminating) the Naxals. The bourgeoisie had become a permanent target for the Naxals, but above all ordinary civilians had become the victims in the crossfire between the police forces and the Naxals. It is against this background that the present talks hold significance.

The government has invited the Naxals to give up violence and join the mainstream. The present Home Minister, Jana Reddy, extended an open invitation to the PWG and its constituents to engage in peace negotiations without fear or favour. He made the offer following a meeting with the representatives of the Committee of Concerned Citizens, Civil Rights Forum, AP Civil Liberties Committee and media representatives to chalk out the modalities for initiating a dialogue process with the Naxals. He has agreed to the constitution of a committee to carry forward the negotiation process, comprising of members who were acceptable to both sides.

In reciprocation, the Naxals have declared a unilateral ceasefire and have demanded a similar move by the government. Noting its reservations to the term ‘ceasefire’, the Naxals have requested the government to call for a cessation of armed action. It has promised compliance with the self-imposed ceasefire if the government stops the use of force against them.  It has also requested for the permission to carry on its political campaign. Among its other demands is the withdrawal of rewards for the capture/killing of Naxals who function underground, immediate transfer of police personnel who are antagonistic to the dialogue process and the exclusion of police officials from the entire dialogue process. The PWG made no bones about their distrust of men in uniform and of their ability to sabotage the peace process.  

Responding to the willingness of the Naxals in coming to the negotiating table and the salubrious moves made like calling for a ceasefire, the government has called off the anti-Naxal combing operations. It has also withdrawn the rewards given to police personnel who participate in encounters. It has also agreed to favourably consider the suggestion of lifting the rewards placed on the heads of PWG militants.

Soon after the announcement of the peace initiative, the government registered a major success with the surrender of 32 Naxals along with a cache of arms including 6,000 rounds of ammunition, one Belgium Auto Pal (7.62), three 8mm rifle, two Springfield rifles, five carbines, two Winchester rifles, four 9mm carbines, four SBBL, two .38 revolvers and one airgun. This was by far the most impressive surrender of weapons in recent years. The disenchanted Naxals cited factionalism, autocratic behaviour of its leaders, lack of internal democracy within the movement, discrimination based on caste and religion, decreasing public support and disenchantment with the ideology of armed struggle and violence as the reasons for their leaving the Naxal movement.

Meanwhile, the Home Minister has announced that the talks would be broad based touching upon various issues like surrenders, rehabilitation, security and employment. The talks would involve 26 different extremist groups operating in the state. The government is insisting on all factions being a party to the talks for reasons of sustainability.

This is the first time that the PWG has spoken unambiguously in favour of talks, which is a victory of sorts. In the coming days, attempts will be underway to constitute a conciliation committee, comprising of representatives from the government and the PWG. Genuine efforts will have to be made by both the parties to engage constructively and arrive at an acceptable solution in the interests of the state and its people.