The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Professionals a worried lot

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Oct 16, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Professionals a worried lot

By Vikram Sharma

HYDERABAD, OCT. 15 . The People's War (PW) and the State Government are sitting across the table discussing peace. On one side, the peace initiative is going on, while in the other hand, there is a talk going on that some professionals have been receiving letters or calls, allegedly from PW members, demanding huge amounts.

But then, it could also be the handiwork of some pseudo-naxalites, who, by using the names of various dalams, are extorting money from the rich and well known.

"They are holding so many public meetings, from where do you think the money is coming from? In their recent meeting at Warangal, they collected money from local businessmen for providing food and other amenities to those who participated in the meeting. Ultimately, the business class is going to suffer, be it talks or not, as they are resorting to extortion," says a businessman, Praneet Singhvee of Kushalchand Private Limited.

Doctors too victimised

While this is so, the doctors in the city are a much more worried lot. Some have disclosed about how their counterparts are being harassed in the districts. "Whether it is PW or pseudo-naxals, the doctors are being harassed for money." Some top practitioners are known to have received letters demanding money, but none have approached the police, says a doctor. Ditto is the case with owners of poultry farms on the city outskirts.

Understandably, none is willing to be quoted on this `sensitive' topic. Not even a senior Army officer who points out that armed struggle never yielded any results. "A long-term plan should be mooted. The initiative is good, provided naxalites are not adamant on demands like moving around with weapons," he says.

With talks as a cover, is the PW regrouping? "If they are regrouping, it is something very bad and unacceptable. The talks have started on a good note but the insistence of naxalites on carrying weapons is uncalled for," says Shahbaz Hussain, who runs a school in Red Hills.

Ball in naxals' court

"It has come as a big relief for people, particularly those living in villages. The Government should prepare a blue print and go ahead with the process. But it all depends whether the PW wants to cooperate and compromise on their demands," feels Naveeta Kapoor, a house-wife residing at Mehdipatnam.

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