Hyderabad: The growing incidents of Naxalites forcibly occupying private and forest lands in Andhra Pradesh are likely to cast a shadow on the ongoing peace talks, with the Government taking a serious note of the trend and warning of stringent action.

"If extremists take law into their hands and go about occupying lands, then where is the need for Governments and courts? Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy asked.

Taking a serious note of reports of Maoists occupying lands in Kurnool and Guntur districts, Reddy told reporters in Hyderabad today (Oct 26, 2004) that such actions could not be tolerated in a democratic set-up.

"This is not a correct approach. If everyone starts dispensing justice in his own way, then why should we have courts and Government? It is as simple as that," he said.

The issue of land distribution for the poor had dominated the agenda during the first-ever direct talks between Naxalites and the Government last week. The Government had agreed to constitute a high-power committee to identify surplus lands for distribution among the poor.

Meanwhile, Naxalite emissary and revolutionary poet Varavara Rao justified the occupation of lands, saying it was part of the campaign to ensure "land for the tiller" and to put an end to the domination of landlords.

Home Minister K Jana Reddy, who is leading the Government team in peace talks, lamented that Maoist outfits were indulging in illegal actions when the Government was sincerely implementing its promise of land distribution to the poor.

"It is deplorable that they are taking law into their hands and resorting to forcible occupation of lands. This may vitiate the present peaceful atmosphere," Reddy said, adding that stringent action would be taken against violators of the law.

When contacted, State Director General of Police S R Sukumara said action would be taken as per law if there were any complaints regarding occupation of lands by Naxalite organisations.