Naxal leaders surface after 20-yr exile

Top Naxalite leaders emerged from the underground after almost 20 years in Andhra Pradesh on Monday.

Making their first public appearance in two decades, People's War Group secretary Ramakrishna and other top leaders said land distribution to the poor and economic policies based on self-reliance would be at the core of their talks with the government. The talks are scheduled to begin on October 15.

The leaders expressed their wish to wrap up the first-ever direct talks with the state government in three rounds spread over 15 to 20 days starting October 15.

The Maoist rebels, with AK 47s slung on their shoulders, emerged from their hideout in Nallamala forest area and briefly interacted with the media at Chinaarutla in Prakasam district. From there, they proceeded to Guttikondabilam village in Guntur to unveil a martyrs' memorial and address a public meeting.

Before proceeding to the venue, the naxalite leaders handed over weapons to their colleagues. Revolutionary slogans reverberated in the air as the convoy left for Guntur.

"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 said.

This is the first public appearance by the Maoist leaders since the Congress government lifted the ban on PWG in July and invited them for talks.

People of Guttikondabilam, a tiny coastal village about 250 km from Hyderabad, is bracing for the emergence of People's War Group secretary Ramakrishna and two other key naxalite leaders after the 20-year exile. The occasion will also be an emotional reunion for family members, relatives, friends and followers of Ramakrishna, who hails from Guttikondabilam.

A science graduate, Ramakrishna, RK as he is known in revolutionary circles, was drawn towards the Maoist movement and went underground 20 years ago while working as a teacher in the village.

RK, along with Sudhakar, the secretary of AP-Orissa Border Special Zonal Committee, and Ganesh, a member of the North Telangana Special Zonal Committee, will also participate in Monday's meeting. They have been deputed by the PWG to hold talks with the governement on October 15.