Andhra Pradesh

YSR talks tough on arms issue

By R. Jagadeeswara Rao

The Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, receiving representations during the `palle bata' programme at Tennu Karja in the agency area of Vizianagaram district on Sunday. Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

PARVATHIPURAM (VIZIANAGARAM, DIST.) OCT. 17. Short of making it a pre-condition for continuation of the ongoing talks between the Government and leaders of the CPI (Maoist) and Janashakthi, the Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Sunday said naxalites should give up arms. "So far I saw no change in their stand regarding arms, but by the time talks are completed I hope they agree to come to mainstream. No Government could agree people to move with arms. We all, including journalists and intellectuals, should convince them."

Speaking to newsmen at a sericulture farm near here, Dr. Reddy said: "if the agenda of extremists is to solve problems of people, we are for it. In fact, the Congress has been trying the same for the past several decades. If there are deficiencies, we request all to point out the same. We are open to suggestions."

When newsmen recalled the statements of naxalites that talks was only `one phase' of their struggle and arms struggle was the final solution, Dr. Reddy said: "We have been hearing whatever they say and we continue to hear. But guns is no answer to any problem."

When asked about other issues raised by naxalites, Dr. Reddy wanted the issue of arms settled first.

Cabinet to decide

Earlier at the Visakhapatnam airport, Dr. Reddy said the demands being put forth by naxalites would be placed before the Cabinet for a final decision. Asked to comment on the naxal demands on the second day, Dr. Reddy said the Government would respond to their demands as far as they were practical and within the framework of the Constitution. ``It's a part of the democratic process. We invited them for talks to know their mind on various problems faced by people. Certain issues may have to be resolved at the Union Government level,'' he said.

`Give up violence'

"Naxalites should give up the path of violence and help develop the State on all fronts. How is it possible for us to allow their so-called political campaign in villages with weapons?'' he said.

On the naxals' reported demand for withdrawal of cases against those involved in the Alipiri assassination bid on the Telugu Desam Party supremo, N. Chandrababu Naidu, he said: "It could be their demand. Let them list their demands. Later, we will put it before the Cabinet to take appropriate decision.''

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