TV
The Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-M) central committee has expressed willingness to engage in peace talks, contingent upon the suspension of military operations currently undertaken by security forces, sources said on Wednesday.
Also Read: 30 Maoists killed, one jawan martyred in two separate encounters in Chhattisgarh
A statement from the CPI-Maoist indicates its openness to dialogue if operations, such as Operation Kagar, are halted.
Previously, the Maoists claimed to have sought dialogue, but they assert the government did not provide a favorable response. The press release claims that more than 400 people have died due to Operation Kagar, affecting not only Maoist militants but also civilians, indigenous communities, and security personnel.
The group stipulates that no new military camps should be established, and military actions should cease. If these conditions are met, the Maoists have indicated their preparedness to declare a ceasefire.
“Maoist factions have been severely devastated and they are now in a ‘broken-backbone’ condition. The ultras do have a fundamental ideology and specific strategies. However, they have been cornered in the recent past and are left with no other choice than to withdraw. Under such a circumstance, if they keep continuing, they will be completely eliminated,” former Odisha DGP Sanjeev Marik said to OTV.
Worth mentioning, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has marked March 31, 2026, as the deadline for eradicating Maoist activities in the country.
Amit Shah's stance and 2026 deadline
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed his commitment to eradicate LWE by March 2026 during Bastar visits. His upcoming April 4-5 review comes amidst Maoists' tactical ceasefire proposal.
Peace talk proposal and preconditions
The CPI (Maoist) has offered conditional peace talks, demanding immediate cessation of 'Operation Kagar' - a security offensive they describe as 'genocide' affecting six states. Their primary precondition involves halting military operations and preventing new security camps in Maoist-affected regions.
Must Read: Weapons, explosives seized from Maoist dump along Odisha-Chhattisgarh border
Government response and operations
Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Vijay Sharma maintains openness to unconditional talks adhering to constitutional principles, rejecting parallel governance systems. Security operations continue intensively, with 219 Maoists killed in Bastar in 2024.
