Hyderabad: Signalling a new phase in the three decade long revolutionary movement, naxalites in Andhra Pradesh today (Oct 15, 2004) held first-ever direct talks with the Government which made it clear that people's problems could be solved within the constitutional framework and urged Maoists to eschew violence.

As top Maoist leaders, who came out recently after a 20-year long underground life, arrived at the meeting venue amidst tight security and sat across the negotiating table. Home Minister K Jana Reddy minced no words in asserting that constitutional framework was non-negotiable.

"Even while disagreeing with the ideology of revolutionary parties, our Government has invited you for talks with full faith in democracy. We want you to leave the path of violence and suggest solutions to people's problems within the framework of the constitution," Reddy, who is leading a nine-member Government team in talks, said in his opening remarks.

The State PW (People's War) secretary Ramakrishna, a school teacher-turned-revolutionary who once carried a reward of Rs 12 lakh on his head, the secretary of Andhra-Orissa border special zone committee Sudhakar, member of North Telangana special zone secretary Ganesh and Janasakthi leaders Amar and Riaz are participating in the talks.

Besides, a team of eight mediators, headed by retired IAS official S R Sankaran, is assisting in the negotiations.

A thick security blanket has been thrown around Dr MCR HRD Institute at Jubilee Hills where talks are being held.

The naxalite leaders arrived in a convoy of cars, with police security, and were escorted to the board room on the second floor of the HRD Institute where negotiations began at 10:30 am.

A 40-member strong contingent of Maoist leaders, including 35 belonging to People's Guerrilla Army (PGA), a military wing of PW, are put up in a Government guest house and are being treated as 'State guests'.

Land distribution to the poor, putting an end to 'World Bank dictated economic policies', democratic empowerment, separate State for Telangana and total prohibition formed the core of naxal agenda during the talks which have generated enormous public interest.

While asking naxalites to give up armed struggle, the Home Minister asserted that the Government is determined to create a situation where "no one needs to take to arms." "The Government has neither an ulterior motive nor a hidden agenda behind pursuing peace process. It is only aimed at bringing a lasting peace so that aspirations of the people could be fulfilled," Reddy said.

The officials were kept out of the closed-door meeting and the talks are set to continue tomorrow.

One of the mediators Kesava Rao Jadav told waiting reporters that discussions were now centred around signing the ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire is already in force since June last and both the parties require to sign an agreement during the talks.

Another participant on behalf of PW Kalyan Rao, a revolutionary writer, said land distribution was the key issue being raised at the meeting.