Hyderabad: As part of initiatives to revive talks with naxalites, the Congress Government in Andhra Pradesh today (July 21, 2004) decided to lift the ban on People's War Group (PWG), meeting one of the key demands of the extremist organisation.

The announcement was made by the Home Minister K Jana Reddy after holding a series of consultations with PWG's emissaries in Hyderabad.

"Keeping in view the appeals made by various sections of people, the Government has decided not to renew the ban. We hope this will create right atmosphere to carry forward the process of dialogue to find a permanent solution," Reddy said.

The ban, which has been in force since May 21, 1992 barring a year-long relaxation in 1995-96, will expire tomorrow.

The decision to lift the ban comes against the backdrop of a series of measures unveiled by the Government to revive talks with PWG, a key election promise of the Congress.

Soon after taking over the reins, the Congress Government dispensed with the policy of rewards on the heads of naxalites killed in police encounters, announced a three-month ceasefire and constituted a committee of mediators to hold talks with the extremist group.

"The Government feels that there is no need to extend the ban in the present situation when everybody is eager to see establishment of permanent peace in the State," the Minister said.

Earlier in the day, Reddy held two rounds of marathon consultations with the PWG's emissaries—revolutionary balladeer Gadar, writers Vara Vara Rao and Kalyan Rao—and some of the mediators named by the PWG, including noted civil rights leader K G Kannabiran, retired IAS official S R Sankaran, academician Prof Haragopal and journalist P Venkateswara Rao.

During the meeting, PWG's emissaries made out a strong case for lifting the ban to create congenial atmosphere for talks.

"With this decision, we hope to create a right atmosphere to work for a lasting solution. I am sure everybody will co-operate with the Government in this task, particularly the PWG," Reddy said.