Maoists Offer One-Month Truce to Centre, Suspend Armed Operations

The Communist Party of India (Maoist), cornered after losing its Abujhmad stronghold and several top leaders in recent attacks, has announced a one-month Ceasefire. The group offered to suspend armed operations and invited the Centre to initiate peace talks.

This is the first time the Maoist organization has openly proposed halting violence while expressing readiness for dialogue. The statement, signed by spokesperson Comrade Abhay, surfaced on September 16, though it was issued on August 15.

Ceasefire Proposal and Conditions

The Maoists requested that the government suspend security operations for a month to allow internal consultations and discussions with detained members. They emphasized that the truce is meant to continue the peace efforts initiated by their late general secretary, Nambala Keshav Rao, also known as Basavaraju, who died earlier this year in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region.

In the statement, the CPI (Maoist) acknowledged repeated appeals from the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and senior police officials to give up arms and join the mainstream. “We have decided to shun arms and temporarily suspend the armed conflict,” the group declared.

Call for Political Unity

The Maoists further stated their willingness to cooperate with other political parties pursuing public welfare objectives. “We will fight side by side with all political parties and organizations working for the public cause as far as possible,” the statement read.

Offer for Direct Talks

The group invited direct talks with the Union Home Minister or an appointed delegation. They also signaled readiness for virtual discussions through video conferencing. “We ask the Central Government to announce a formal truce, halt search operations, and allow us to consult our jailed and deployed cadres nationwide,” the statement urged.

Government Response

Chhattisgarh’s Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who holds the home portfolio, confirmed that the statement’s authenticity was being verified. He reiterated that surrender and rehabilitation remain the best options for Maoist cadres.

Government sources, however, raised concerns about the use of the word “ceasefire” and its conditions. Inspector General of Police P. Sundarraj of Bastar said: “The authenticity of this release is being checked, and its contents are being closely examined. Only the Government can decide whether to engage in talks with the CPI (Maoist).”

Ceasefire Yet to be Formalized

So far, the central government has not officially responded to the Maoists’ ceasefire offer or indicated whether peace negotiations will begin. The proposal remains under consideration.