Hyderabad: Talking tough on naxalite violence amidst the ongoing peace talks, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy today (Dec 2, 2004) said his Government would not tolerate extremists moving around with weapons, resorting to extortions and damaging public property.

"While we are committed to continuing dialogue with naxalites as a political process, we will not tolerate any act of violence as there is no room for private weapons in democracy," Reddy said while addressing the two-day conference of district collectors in Hyderabad.

Stating that Maoists would be invited for second round of talks in the next 'two to three months', he however said that the Government has a 'clear thinking' that the arms issue should form the main agenda during the next phase of parleys.

Seeking to remove the perception that the administration was taking a lenient approach towards extremist groups in view of the peace talks, the Chief Minister made it clear to Collectors and police officials that they would be held responsible for maintenance of law and order.

"Let there be no confusion. While talks with naxalites is a political process, there should be no let up in efforts to maintain law and order. You should act as per law," Reddy told a gathering of collectors and top bureaucrats.

Pointing out that his Government had taken the initiative to invite naxalites for the first ever direct talks, in tune with the Congress' poll promise, he said, "We had provided the a safe passage (after first round of talks in October) and took note of whatever they have got to say. But, there is no question of tolerating violence, extortion and damage to properties."