Christians welcome AP government’s peace initiatives with PWG

Hyderabad – The move of Andhra Pradesh government in July not to renew the 8 years old ban on the militant group People’s War Group (PWG) has been welcomed by the state’s Christian community. This followed a government announcement on June 16 of a three–month cease–fire and an agreement to call off the pursuit of PWG activists. The group reciprocated by promising not to carry out armed attacks during the period.

During the past 30 years, People's War Group (PWG), whose ideology borrows from the late Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong, has waged violence in 12 of the state's 23 districts in a campaign for socio–political change. The PWG and other leftist organizations in India advocating armed revolt by the poor against landlords and the government are called Naxalites. The name stems from Naxalbari in West Bengal, scene of a 1967 uprising. The groups have significant presence and influence in the central and eastern states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa and West Bengal.

Archbishop Marampudi Joji of Hyderabad said that the government’s move to negotiate for peace and accept the rebels into the mainstream "can only lead to a positive outcome."

However, the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate prelate sounded a skeptical note, saying the outcome might be to "enhance (Naxalite) revival."

Bishop Gali Bali of Guntur, whose diocese covers a district that has recently seen an increase in Naxalite activity said that people have endured hardships because of extortion and threats from extremists. He lauded the government initiative but cautioned that it has several risks.

Both prelates acknowledged the rebels so far have spared Church people. Bishop Bali said the Naxalites have in fact appreciated his diocese's work among low–caste groups and the poor.

However, the group has periodically targeted politicians, police personnel and ordinary people. Former state Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu narrowly escaped when PWG activists ambushed his convoy Oct. 1 last year.

More than 5,000 people were reportedly killed in clashes between police and Naxalites over 30 years until 2002. Such clashed claimed about 300 lives last year.

For the peace talks, the state government appointed a seven–member team and the PWG named two office bearers of the Revolutionary Writers' Association and a popular revolutionary singer as its emissaries. The agenda, venue and dates for the talks have yet to be finalized.

John Gaddala, a Christian who works with Pragathi Seva Samithi (organization to serve people) in Warangal district, a Naxalite stronghold, said he believes the PWG is concerned with the poor and marginalized. He said that the government, instead of trying to bring the Naxalite into the mainstream, should offer development to the poor. This would help reduce the number of poor youth being recruited into the Naxalite fold, he added.

Archbishop Joji claims he has received "reliable information" that some groups have decided to thwart the peace initiatives. The prelate, who has worked among tribals in Khammam district, said those groups are telling Naxalite cadres the government will deceive them if they give up arms.

Sam Paul, public affairs secretary for the All India Christian Council, which has units in all the districts of the state, says both the Naxalites and the government would benefit if the militants join the mainstream.