Raipur, Sep 17: In a dramatic shift, the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) has announced a one-month suspension of its armed struggle, declaring readiness for conditional peace talks with the central government.
A statement issued by party spokesperson Abhay, dated August 15 but released Tuesday in Bastar, said the group would now focus on “mass struggles” instead of armed confrontation. The note marked the first formal nationwide ceasefire declaration by the insurgent outfit, which has operated across several states for over four decades.
The Maoists said the move was in continuation of efforts initiated by slain general secretary Basavaraju, who had earlier proposed a temporary ceasefire before being killed in a May encounter. The outfit has appealed to the government to formally suspend ongoing anti-Maoist operations and allow preliminary talks via video call.
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister of Chhattisgarh Vijay Sharma confirmed receipt of the letter but questioned its authenticity, pointing to changes in writing style and the unusual inclusion of a spokesperson’s photograph and email ID. “There can be no ‘conditional’ talks in a democracy. Verification is underway,” he said, urging Maoists to surrender and join the mainstream under the rehabilitation policy.
The Maoist statement urged the government to broadcast any official announcements through public radio and TV channels to reach cadres in remote areas. It also appealed to civil society, intellectuals, and human rights groups to support the peace process, vowing to transform “blood-soaked forests into forests of peace.”
Police officials said the authenticity of the statement is being examined, stressing that any decision on talks will rest with the Union government.
