RAIPUR: The outlawed CPI (Maoist), in a purported statement, has announced a temporary suspension of its armed struggle to facilitate peace talks but has requested the government to declare a one-month ceasefire and halt security operations to initiate the process.
In response, the Chhattisgarh government said it was verifying the authenticity of the letter.
The purported statement, which included an image of the spokesperson and shared an email and Facebook ID , unusual elements not seen in previous releases, was dated 15 August. The letter cited an unexplained delay in its release.
In the statement, CPI (Maoist) spokesperson Abhay conveyed the organisation’s decision to temporarily give up arms to advance the process of peace talks, considering the changing global scenario and the country’s circumstances, as well as appeals made by the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and senior police officers to relinquish arms and join the mainstream.
“A decision has been taken for a temporary suspension of the armed struggle. In future, we will contest all political parties and struggling organisations on public issues,” the letter stated.
The Red rebels have previously proposed peace dialogues on several occasions, particularly after losing their top leaders in anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh and adjoining states.
“Since March 2025, our party has been seriously and sincerely trying to hold peace talks with the government under conducive conditions. On 10 May, our general secretary, in a press statement, proposed a ceasefire while seeking a one-month period to consult with the party’s top leadership about giving up arms. Unfortunately, the central government did not respond favourably. Instead, operations by the forces intensified further,” the letter read.
In the latest statement, the Maoist spokesperson declared their willingness to hold talks with the Union Home Minister, individuals appointed by him, or a delegation on the matter. “However, we need to inform our party about this revised stance, hold discussions, and later prepare a delegation of comrades to engage in peace talks,” stated the two-page media release, which also urged the government to grant a one-month ceasefire and halt search operations by security forces, citing the need to consult with their leaders and cadres operating across various states and lodged in jails to advance the proposed peace talks.
The Maoists requested the government to share its decision on the matter.
Bastar Range Inspector General of Police Sundarraj P told TNIE, that they have taken note of the press release issued by the CPI (Maoist) regarding the laying down of arms and the prospect of peace talks. “The authenticity of this release is being verified, and its contents are under careful examination. Any decision to hold dialogue with the Maoists lies solely with the government, which will take an appropriate call,” he added.