Naxalites agree for talks, seek ceasefire

The prospect of revival of talks with the naxalites in Andhra Pradesh brightened on Tuesday with the People's War Group (PWG) accepting the state government's offer but demanding announcement of ceasefire to create a conducive atmosphere for resuming the dialogue.

"We are ready for talks if the government announces ceasefire without any loss of time. It is now time for sincere action instead of empty promises and pious declarations," PWG said in a statement made available to the media on Tuesday.

The development came in the midst of consultations the state home minister, K Jana Reddy, had with a group of civil rights leaders on how to go about reviving the dialogue process which had collapsed two years ago.

Asked about PWG's pre-condition that the government must announce ceasefire, Reddy said: "There has been no firing from the police in the last 15 days. Is it not a ceasefire? We have instructed the police to maintain restraint."

With positive signals emanating from both the sides, there is wide expectation that the process of talks might begin within the next few days.