Hyderabad: Hardening its stand on the issue of Naxalites, Andhra Pradesh Government today (Oct 30, 2004) said the Maoist must lay down arms and join the social mainstream.

"The arms issue will be on top of the agenda during second round of talks. We will discuss with the emissaries of the Naxalites about the modalities on giving up arms by extremists", State Information Minister Mohammad Ali Shabbir told reporters after a meeting of the State cabinet in Hyderabad.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, decided to make the arms issue the main agenda during second round of parleys.

However, the Government has not yet decided when the second round of talks would be held.

First round of direct talks between the Naxalites and the Government were held from October 15-18.