On the eve of the peace talks with the Andhra Pradesh government the two largest Naxalite groups in the country, Communist Party of India Marxist-Leninist (People's War) and the Maoist Communist Centre of India (MCCI) merged to create the country's largest Left wing guerilla group with influence in 15 states. The new party was named the Communist Party of India (Maoist). The announcement introduced a new element in the direct talks between the Naxalite groups and Andhra Pradesh that began on 15 October 2004. It sent alarm bells ringing among the security agencies and in the areas affected by the naxal violence.

The two parties has been holding talks for several years to finalise the merger, especially from 2002, but their ideological differences kept them apart. However, these groups managed to iron out their differences before the peace talks initiated by the AP government. While the People's War has a presence in 13 states, the MCCI is mainly strong in Bihar and Jharkhand, with pockets of influence in Assam and Uttar Pradesh. PW's Central Organising Committee General Secretary, Muppala Laxman Rao, alias Ganapati, was unanimously elected the General Secretary of the new party.

Though the merger was finalized on 21 September it was announced on 14 October just before the peace talks to enhance the stature of the Maoists at the negotiating table. Naxal leaders like Ramakrishna said the announcement had nothing to do with the ensuing peace talks, but he termed the move 'historic', and agreed that it would strengthen the revolutionary movement.

Though the merger of naxalite groups caused concern among the security agencies, the government was unaffected. Unfazed by the merger, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister, K Jana Reddy, in his opening remarks during the talks, invited the naxalites to join the mainstream of society and work with the government to resolve the problems of the poor so that there would be no need for an armed struggle. He asserted that "the merger is their internal matter. It will not cast its shadow on the talks. It will not affect the talks in any way."

After the first round of talks, when the rebels were leaving for the jungles, chief minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy urged them to give up armed struggle. Sounding optimistic, the Chief Minister said the Naxalites have seen that the problems can be resolved through talks. He said, "Everything may not be to their satisfaction. But the government will not lag behind in attending to the real problems of the people."

During the talks the government revealed its intention to work for the improvement of the socio-economic conditions of the downtrodden. It is willing to modify its policies and programmes so that the disadvantaged sections and the poorest of the poor are able to rise above the poverty line. But the government is unwilling to compromise on the larger issue of liberalisation, globalisation and privatization.

To pressure the government, the Naxalites have stepped up their land agitation since the ban was lifted on 22 July this year. They are also going ahead with plans to transfer surplus land belonging to large farmers to the landless without waiting for the government to act. The CPI (Maoist) took possession of 1,142 acres and distributed it to the landless in Prakasam and Kurnool districts. But the government does not approve of this step. It has has taken serious note of these land occupations and warned those who had benefited of the perils of occupying land without relevant documents.

However, even before the merger and start of the peace talks these groups had been indulging in such activities. They were cooperating and collaborating among themselves. They were training each other's cadres and helping them in arms acquisition. The merger has strengthened these groups and enhanced their striking capacity and resources. But this merger has also offered a new opportunity.

In a situation, where there are a number of smaller groups active, it becomes difficult for the authorities to negotiate with them. But when there is one entity holding sway over most areas and that entity is willing to talk peace, this offers immense opportunities. If the peace talks are successful then the chances of lasting peace are greater than when a number of equally strong groups exist. The government has taken a bold step by inviting the naxalites for talks. But it should also make genuine efforts to make these talks successful, so that a permanent peace is secured in the vast area affected by the naxal movement.