Hyderabad: Differences have cropped up between Andhra Pradesh Government and naxalites over arms issue delaying signing of a formal ceasefire agreement, though both sides have agreed to continue their first-ever direct talks keeping aside the contentious issue.

The ceasefire is already in force since June this year. During the historic parleys, which commenced yesterday (Oct 15, 2004), Maoist leaders insisted that a signed agreement be put in place before proceeding with the main agenda.

Home Minister K Jana Reddy, who led a nine-member Government team at the talks, reminded the extremist leaders that consensus has to be achieved over a clause that bars naxalites from carrying arms during their political campaign.

As both sides found themselves caught in a tangle of technicalities over contentious clause, indications are that discussions would continue on the matter when talks resume later today (Oct 16, 2004).

"We will discuss the clause seven issue (stipulating that naxalites should not carry weapons) as the talks progress. We think there is no need for a written ceasefire agreement as ceasefire is already being implemented on the basis of mutually agreed points," Jana Reddy said today.

Official sources said the Government was not willing to sign ceasefire agreement if the arms clause is deleted. Both sides would now get on to the main agenda of talks covering an 11-point agenda proposed by naxalites.

Barring the contentious arms issue, the two sides have agreed to abide by the other provisions of the draft agreement stipulating that they would maintain peace and refrain from attacking each other.