PWG mishit kills 14 tribals, Naidu won’t resume talks

The landmine blast triggered by the People’s War Group in a jungle of Warangal district last night have claimed 14 lives so far, most o...

The landmine blast triggered by the People’s War Group in a jungle of Warangal district last night have claimed 14 lives so far, most of them being tribal villagers.

The youngest victim was four-year-old Olambee. Her six-year-old sister, Rahimabee, and mother, Shaheenbee, were also among those killed. Police initially believed that at least 20 persons were killed in the mishap but the toll has now been put at 14. Over 17 people have sustained splinter injuries.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu today ruled out resumption of talks with the People’s War Group (PWG), saying yesterday’s attack in Warangal district showed the outlaws have no faith in the democratic process.

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Speaking to reporters in the Assembly, after it was adjourned for the day, Naidu said: ‘‘The Opposition Leader suggested that the government resume talks with the PWG. But it is not possible unless they give up arms and violence.’’

The explosion was so powerful that the bus went up vertically, rotated in the air before crashing into a ditch on the opposite side of the road. The front portion of the vehicle was blown to shreds, as also the bodies of the passengers.

The victims were mostly from neighbouring villages of Eturunagaram, on their way from a village market at Kannaigudem.