Hyderabad: After surviving an assassination attempt by naxalites, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on October 9 made it clear that peace talks with the outlawed People's War Group (PWG) were not possible unless it eschewed violence and joined the social mainstream.

"We are always ready for solving problems through talks. But talks are not possible unless they give up arms," he told reporters.

Naidu, recovering from collar-bone fracture and injuries on his chest and nose, said, "I hold no grudge against anybody. Let them (naxalites) join social mainstream."

Asserting that the police would be given "full freedom to tackle naxalite menace", he, however, made it clear that "vindictive actions will not be allowed".

Naidu, who effected a thorough overhaul of the police set-up that included shifting the intelligence chief in the wake of glaring security lapses, talked tough on erring policemen, saying, "I will not compromise on sloppy work...erring officials will have no option but to go."

He also had a dig at the Opposition parties saying their stand towards naxalism smacked of "opportunism".

Asked about the possibility of National Security Guards (NSG) cover for him, the Chief Minister said, "A final decision will be taken after a discussion in the party."

He dismissed as "media speculation" the reports suggesting possibility of advancing Assembly elections.

PTI