Not satisfied with talks: Naxals

The Communist Party of India (Maoist) and the CPI (Marxist-Leninist) [Janashakti] will adopt a wait and watch approach before coming for the second round of peace talks with the Andhra Pradesh government.

At a press conference in Hyderabad on Tuesday evening, CPI-Maoist and Janashakti leaders reiterated their commitment to continue the peace process, but added some ifs and buts.

"We are not satisfied at the way the first round of talks ended. The government has not come out with any concrete solutions or initiatives on any of the people's problems raised by us. Even then, we want to wait and see for the next two months. It is for the people to scrutinise the sincerity of the government in taking steps in the direction of solving the problems. Our participation in the second round of talks depends on the government's initiative during the next two months," CPI-Maoist leader Ramakrishna said.

Ramakrishna said that the naxalite leaders would return to the forests since the first round of talks was over. "Anyway, we are coming back to Hyderabad on November 16 to hold a public meeting to celebrate the formation of the CPI-Maoist. We hope the government will take steps to hold the second round of talks form November 17."

He maintained that all the demands put forth by the naxalites, such as land distribution and restoration of democratic rights, were well within the purview of the Constitution.

"While the ruling classes failed to implement the constitutional obligations and their own promises till now, we, as armed parties, had to come and demand implementation," he explained.

Ramakrishna contended that the demands put forth during the four days of talks (which ended on Monday night) pertained to people's real problems and except the prizes on their heads, none of the other demands pertained to the naxalites. "Even then the government could not come out with a proper, particular time-bound and practical remedy. Their announcements were very vague and just like the promises they have been making for the last 57 years."