Hyderabad: The new Congress Government in Andhra Pradesh today (May 14, 2004) expressed willingness to revive dialogue with the outlawed naxalite outfit People's War Group (PWG) and promised to put an end to "fake police encounters".

"We will create a conducive atmosphere and are ready to hold talks to solve the vexed problem," Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy told reporters soon after taking over the top post.

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On the question of lifting ban on PWG, he said his Cabinet would consider the issue and take an appropriate decision after taking stock of the situation.

Reddy, who earlier had a quick review of the law and order situation in the State with the police top brass, said he has asked the police to ensure that there are no "fake encounters".

He also urged extremists to shun violence and join the mainstream.

The previous Telugu Desam party (TDP) Government had initiated dialogue with PWG through its emissaries last year. But the talks collapsed with PWG pulling out mid-way accusing the Government of continuing with "fake encounters" and lacking sincerity.