Date:18/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/01/18/stories/2005011801161700.htm

Back Maoists spurn AP Govt initiative for talks

Our Bureau

Hyderabad , Jan. 17

EVEN as the State Government on Monday stated its intent to pursue its peace initiative with the representatives of the Communist Party of India (Maoists) and take up development works on a fast track across various parts of the State, the latter announced that they were `opting out'.

The State Cabinet which met today discussed the naxalites issue and the proposed second round of peace talks, in the background of a sudden spurt in violence in the past 48 hours in several districts.

Addressing the media, the State Information Minister, Mr Mohd Ali Shabbir, said that the Government would pursue its agenda to hold talks with the representatives of the Maoists and see how a peaceful and amicable solution could be thrashed out. The Cabinet also discussed at length about issues relating to security of people's representatives.

Meanwhile, the Maoists in a statement attributed their decision to pull out of talks to the `fake encounters', aggressive combing operations by `Grey hound' squads and the Government's strategic repressive attitude.

The Cabinet has announced its decision to take up several projects in a fast track mode. These include land distribution to the landless poor under the Indira Prabha scheme, a Rs 500-crore project and employment generation scheme under Rajiv Yuvashakthi targetting the self employment approach.

District Banks: The State Cabinet today cleared a Rs 195.66-crore package for shoring up the finances of DCCBs (district cooperative banks) in nine districts of the State.

The Minister said Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Nellore, Cuddapah, Mahboobnagar, Karimnagar, Medak, Warangal and Kurnool would be covered under this package. Because of financial constraints, these DCCBs were not able to disburse funds.