Naxal leaders emerge from hide-out, optimistic on talks

Emerging from a prolonged underground life, top naxalite leaders in Andhra Pradesh on Monday expressed keenness to wrap up their first-ever direct talks with the state government in three rounds spread over 15 to 20 days, starting from October 15.

Making a first public appearance after two decades, the state People's War Group (PWG)'s secretary Ramakrishna and other top leaders said that land distribution to the poor and economic policies based on self-reliance would form the core of their agenda during the forthcoming talks with the Andhra Pradesh government.

The Maoist rebels, with AK 47s slung from their shoulders, emerged from their hide-out in the Nallamala forest area and briefly interacted with the media at Chinaarutla in Prakasam district before proceeding to Guttikondabilam village in Guntur district to unveil a martyrs' memorial and address a public meeting.

Before proceeding to the meeting venue in a convoy of cars, the naxalite leaders handed over weapons to their colleagues as revolutionary slogans reverberated the air.

"We are hopeful of resolving some of the pressing problems of the people through talks. At the same time, we are prepared for a prolonged armed struggle," Ramakrishna, a school teacher-turned revolutionary, said.

It is the first public appearance by the Maoist leaders since the Congress government lifted ban on PWG in July last and invited them for talks in tune with the party's pre-poll promise of reviving dialogue with naxalites.