Maoists express willingness for ceasefire and peace talks

HYDERABAD: The Maoist Central Committee’s official spokesperson, Abhay, has issued a letter expressing the group’s readiness to declare a ceasefire and engage in peace talks with the government. The letter calls upon both central and state governments to foster a conducive atmosphere by immediately halting ongoing operations in regions such as Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana.

The letter highlights that since January 2024, the central government, in collaboration with state governments, initiated ‘Operation Kagar,’ a counter-insurgency campaign in areas influenced by revolutionary movements. During this period, Chhattisgarh’s Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, Vijay Sharma, publicly stated the government’s willingness to hold talks with the Maoists, urging them to come forward for discussions. In response, the Maoist Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee’s media representative, Comrade Vikalp, twice expressed the group’s readiness for peace talks.

To facilitate meaningful dialogue, the Maoists have proposed several measures:

• Immediate cessation of ‘Operation Kagar’: They urge the government to stop the ongoing counter-insurgency operations that have led to numerous casualties and arrests among tribal communities.
• Withdrawal of security forces: The letter calls for confining central and state armed forces to their barracks in affected regions, particularly in the Bastar area.
• Halt to new security camps: They request the government to stop establishing new security camps in these regions.

The Maoists assert that over the past 15 months, despite their overtures for peace, the government has intensified military operations, resulting in numerous arrests and alleged human rights violations against tribal populations. They emphasize that creating a positive environment is crucial for the success of peace negotiations and urge the government to respond constructively to their proposals.

This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, with the potential to pave the way for dialogue and a peaceful resolution, contingent upon the government’s response to the Maoists’ conditions.