Hyderabad: Marking a new phase in the 35-year history of Left wing extremism in the country, naxals today (Oct 15, 2004) sat with the Government across the negotiating table amidst a few paradoxes. The secluded M Channa Reddy Human Resource Development Institute (MCR HRDI), the chosen venue for talks was inaugurated by former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who survived an attempt by naxals last year.

As coincidence would have it, Marri Channa Reddy was the first Congress Chief Minister to lift the ban on Peoples War Group (PWG) imposed by his predecessor N T Rama Rao.

Manjeera guest house, where the naxals are lodged, shares a common boundary wall with 'grey hounds', the elite police create to curb naxal activities and came to be known as anti-naxal squad.

The guest house too carried the inscription of being inaugurated by Naidu and the big plaque cannot be missed by anyone entering the main hall.

The heavy presence of police, who till recently were in a hot chase with naxals, at the guest house with people who carried rewards on head moving around freely, completes the paradox.

Ever since their arrival in the city, naxals hogged the limelight leaving some of the media friendly politicians awe-struck.

The naxals were receiving a stream of visitors from various dalit organisations and a few parents also called on them to enquire about their missing wards.