Will Action Speak Louder?

As expected, the Naxals refusing to lay down arms has become the sticky issue. Chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy is now insisting the Naxals agree to this first. This might be in tune with the party mood itself, which has hardened since the first round of negotiations got over. A section of Congress leaders has even voiced the thought that since the party has kept the election promise of holding negotiations with the rebels, it’s time now for ysr to take a tougher stand.

There is also growing concern about widespread reports of Naxals planting ‘red flags’ on private and forest lands, ostensibly for distribution among the landless. Such incidents have been reported from Telangana and Guntur, Anantapur, Kurnool and even the CM’s own stronghold, Cuddapah. There are also reports of Naxals extorting money from rich farmers.

To make matters worse, a constable was shot dead in Warangal last week. The police say he was part of a team that had gone to investigate a kidnapping case when they chanced upon a group of Naxals holding a "praja court". DGP S.R. Sukumara says the killing won’t derail the peace process but warned that "if this trend continues, we will be forced to retaliate". Meanwhile, mediators are working overtime to salvage the peace process by getting the government to focus on socio-economic issues raised by the Naxals. But the government stand is: there must be some give-and-take; the PW must accept some conditions before any serious talks.