People's War Group, MCC merge

Ahead of their first-ever direct talks with the state government in three rounds spread over 15 to 20 days, starting tomorrow, the two leading Maoist groups, CPI (ML) People's War Group and Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) said that they have merged to become CPI (Maoist).

Announcing this at a press conference here today, PWG secretary Ramakrishna said the outfits have come together to build a 'formidable' force to further their revolutionary cause. The merger took place on September 21, he added.

Earlier the Party Unity had merged with the PWG and unity talks are also likely between PWG and the Janasakti group.

Meanwhile, the state government has made all arrangements for tomorrow's talks with the PWG and Janasakti leaders.

A high level ministerial delegation headed by state home minister K Jana Reddy will participate in the direct talks, the first round of which are expected to last for about 15 to 20 days.