CM Revanth Talks on Dialogue with Maoists
Revanth Reddy assured that his government views the Maoist issue as a social challenge rather than a law and order problem
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday began consultations with senior Congress leaders over the issue of facilitating peace talks between the Central government and Maoists. The move comes a day after the Peace Dialogue Committee met the Chief Minister on Sunday and urged him to take the initiative to halt ‘Operation Kagar’ in the Karregutta hills on the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border, and take the lead in promoting dialogue.
On Monday, Revanth Reddy visited the residence of former home minister K. Jana Reddy for consultations on the issue. Jana Reddy had played a key role in the 2004 peace talks with the Maoists during the Congress government headed by Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy in undivided Andhra Pradesh. Revanth Reddy also spoke to senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh over the phone on Monday, who at the time was the AICC in-charge for undivided Andhra Pradesh.
State government advisers K. Keshava Rao and Vem Narender Reddy participated in Monday’s discussions.
The Peace Dialogue Committee, led by retired High Court judge Justice Chandra Kumar, comprised notable figures from civil society, including Jampanna alias G. Narasimha Reddy, Prof G. Haragopal, and Prof P.L. Visweshwar Rao. The panel had urged the Chief Minister to mediate between the Centre and Maoists, advocating for a ceasefire and negotiations to end violence.
In an informal chat with mediapersons after the meeting, Revanth Reddy said, “We are studying the previous peace talks and have sought advice from Jana Reddy, Keshava Rao and Digvijay Singh. Since the Congress is a national party, any decision on Operation Kagar must align with national policy.” He added that discussions at the national level are essential before the state government finalises its stance.
The Chief Minister assured that his government views the Maoist issue as a social challenge rather than a law and order problem. He said that the state Cabinet would soon deliberate on the matter.
The Peace Committee underlined that their objective is to save lives and encourage dialogue, highlighting that the casualties of conflict include innocent tribals, police personnel, and armed Maoist members alike.
