The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Balagopal not to mediate

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jul 12, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Balagopal not to mediate

By Our Staff Reporter

WARANGAL, JULY 11. The Human Rights Forum (HRF) convener, K. Balagopal, has said that he will not mediate in the proposed talks between the State Government and various naxal groups.

Mr. Balagopal, who was here to attend the HRF district committee's second annual meeting, said on Sunday that the decision to hold talks was political and he had no role to play. Welcoming the initiative from both the parties, he advised the Government to create a congenial atmosphere for the talks. "If they want the talks to succeed, both the parties should be committed and try not to create hurdles," he said.

He wanted the Government to lift the ban on naxal groups and other peoples' organisations and allow them to participate freely. According to him, the naxals had come up with eight points on the ceasefire. The process could begin within four days once the Government clarifies on the points.

Referring to the initiatives being taken by the police on welfare activities in the district, Mr. Balagopal welcomed them and said people should be able to go to any police station as they go to a post office.

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