AP Naxals declare ceasefire, ready to talk

The outlawed People's War group of Naxalites on Monday announced a ceasefire to pave the way for peace talks with the Andhra Pradesh government.

In a statement faxed to the media on Monday evening, the PWG state committee made the announcement in response to Home Minister K Jana Reddy announcement on June 17 of a three-month ceasefire to create conducive atmosphere for the talks.

The statement, signed by CPI (ML) People's War politburo member Prakash, said the ceasefire had come into effect on June 16.

Also Read Naxalites say yes to talks, seek ceasefire

"During the period of ceasefire, our party and our People's Guerilla Army will not take any action to kill anybody. We will not take up guns as long us guns are not trained at us. In other words, we will not resort to unilateral armed action.

"We are assuring the government that we will cease all armed activities during this period," he said.

Assuring it would not obstruct political parties, the PWG has urged the government to ensure that the police did not obstruct its political activities.

PWG secretary Ramakrishna would hold talks with a committee to be set up by the state government for initiating talks.