Hyderabad: After participating in the first- ever-direct talks with Andhra Pradesh Government, five top Naxal leaders today (Oct 20, 2004) left for their hideouts in Nallamalla forest.

The Maoist leaders along with their unarmed security guards left in a convoy of 11 vehicles.

During the talks, which commenced on October 15, the Andhra Pradesh Government announced constitution of a high-powered committee to identify surplus land for distribution among the landless poor.

The Government also promised to adopt liberal approach on the main demands of Maoist leaders pertaining to release of political prisoners, withdrawal of cases dispensing with the policy of fixing rewards on heads of revolutionary leaders.

State Home Minister K Jana Reddy led the nine-member team, comprising ministers and Congress leaders on behalf of the Government.

The Naxal leaders who participated in the talks were Ramakrishna, CPI (Maoist) and Janasakhti leaders Amar and Riyaz.

A 40-member strong contingent of Maoist leaders, including 35 belonging to People's Guerrilla Army (PGA), a military wing of PW, were put up in 'Manjeera', a Government guest house at Begumpet in the heart of the city.