Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Government today (Oct 3, 2004) decided to have direct talks with naxal leaders on Oct 15, 2004.

Earlier, the PWG (People's War Group) has proposed the direct talks date as Oct 13, 2004.

The Government has decided to have direct talks with naxalite leaders on October 15, in view of bye-election to Asifnagar Assembly constituency on October 13, Home Minister K Jana Reddy told sources in Hyderabad after meeting Chief Minister Y S R Rajasekhar Reddy.

He said the modalities for direct talks would be finalised in a meeting with PWG emissaries and others on Oct 5, 2004.

The Home Minister assured that the Government would provide safe passage to three top PWG leaders, who were named as representatives of naxals in the direct talks.

The PWG yesterday (Oct 2, 2004) announced that its State secretary Ramakrishna known as RK would lead party's three-member team in the direct talks with the Government.

Ramakrishna would be accompanied by Sudhakar, secretary, Andhra-Orissa border special zonal committee and Ganesh, North Telangana special zonal committee member.

This is the first time in the history of the revolutionary movement that top naxalite leaders will be participating in direct talks with the Government.

With the PWG nominating its team, the Janasakhti is yet to announce its representatives for the talks.