December 2, 2004 (Hyderabad):

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy today said his government would not "tolerate" extremists moving around with weapons, resorting to extortions and damaging public properties.

The Chief Minister's tough stance on Naxalite violence comes at a time when the state government is carrying out peace talks with the Naxals.

Arms issue

"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 a two-day conference of district collectors here.

Reddy said though Maoists would be invited for the second round of talks in the next "two to three months", the government has a "clear thinking" that the arms issue should form the main agenda during the next phase of parleys.

The Chief Minister sought to remove the perception that the administration was taking a lenient approach towards extremist groups in view of the peace talks.

Tough talk

Speaking at a gathering of collectors and senior bureaucrats, the Chief Minister made it clear that they would be held responsible for any let-up in 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 said.

He pointed out that his government had taken the initiative to invite Naxalites for direct talks for the first time ever, in tune with the Congress' poll promise.

"We had provided 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," he said. (PTI)