The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : YSR blamed for `stalemate' in peace talks

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 25, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

YSR blamed for `stalemate' in peace talks

By Our Staff Reporter

NALGONDA, DEC. 24. Balagopal of the Human Rights Forum has squarely blamed the Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, for the stalemate in the peace talks between the Government and Maoists.

``Dr. Reddy is vehemently trying to alter the agenda with an intention of scuttling the process. It is meaningless to tell Maoists that talks are being held to work out modalities for their disarming,'' he told said here last night.

He was here to participate in the Telangana Rythanga Sadassu, jointly organised by the Rythanga Praja Pratighatana Vedika and Rythu Kooli Sangham.

Mr. Balagopal observed the armed struggle philosophy of the revolutionaries as well as the constitutional powers of the Government were non-negotiable. He pointed out that the Government was not making any clear statement on the second round of talks and the issue of ceasefire. "Experiences world over indicate that without ceasefire there cannot be peace talks,'' he added.

Arms issue

He also found fault with Maoists with regard to their firm stand on clause no. 7. "For the time being they should have given up arms during their visits to villages. They should not have been adamant on the issue,'' he said, demanding that the Government extend the ceasefire period and announce dates for the next round of talks.

Foreseeing large-scale violence and counter violence by both the parties in the event of talks failure, Mr. Balagopal appealed to the Government and naxals to work towards lessening the burden on rural areas.

To a question, he said that the Government had failed to respond to Maoists' request for appointing a commission on land matters.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh

News Update

Stories in this Section