Government checking veracity of ‘surrender offer’ by Maoists

NEW DELHI: CPI(Maoist), in a purported press statement signed by its top leader 'Abhay'- the nom de guerre used by seniormost politburo and central committee member Mallojula Venugopal Rao-has offered to lay down arms and enter into a temporary ceasefire.

Pushed to the brink by sustained counter-Naxal operations in 'core' areas deep inside the jungles of Abujmarh, which have seen decimation of its top leaders including general secretary Basavaraju and seven central committee members this year, the CPI(Maoist) sought a month from the govt to hold consultations with its leaders and cadres across the country, including those in jail, to build a internal consensus on its peace initiative.

Also read: Chhattisgarh: CPI (Maoist) announces to suspend armed struggle, calls for peace talks with Centre
Sources in the Chhattisgarh govt and the Central agencies however, said the authenticity of the letter, which is different from earlier CPI(Maoist) press statements as it carries a mugshot of Abhay, is still being verified.

Stating that it had taken note of the press release issued in the name of CPI(Maoist) central committee, Chhattisgarh police on Tuesday said, "The contents are under careful examination. It is reiterated that any decision on engagement or dialogue with the CPI(Maoist) lies solely with the govt, which will take an appropriate call after due consideration and assessment of the situation and circumstances".

A senior Central government officer said the onslaught that the Maoists have been subjected to by the counter-Naxal forces over the past months has not left them with many options, other than surrender.

The CPI (Maoist) statement, while underlining its repeated calls for peace negotiations since the last week of March 2025, said it had on May 10, 2025, proposed laying down arms and ceasefire and sought a month's time to hold consultations among its top leadership. However, the Central government, rather than responding, stepped up its counter-operations, which saw the elimination of CPI(Maoist) general secretary Basavaraju and 28 others.

Also read: Jharkhand Police and CRPF eliminate three top Maoists in major anti-Naxal operation
"In view of the changed global and national circumstances and consistent appeals by the prime minister, home minister and top police officers to lay down arms and join the mainstream, we have decided to give up armed struggle and enter into a temporary ceasefire. We, in the future, will continue to fight for people's rights alongside political parties and activist outfits," said the CPI(Maoist) spokesperson. The outfit offered to engage in a video call with the government to exchange views, while seeking announcement of a formal ceasefire for a month and a stop to search and cordon operations against them in the jungles.

Stating that they were ready for talks with the home minister or other representatives, the CPI(Maoist) sought a month's time to brief their fellow leaders and cadres, including the incarcerated ones, on the change in their stance. While clarifying that the leaders and cadres currently in touch were agreeable on talks, the statement said it is only after larger consultations with its countrywide formations that "we will form a group to hold peace talks," said Abhay.

The CPI(Maoist) also sought views from leftists organisations, activists and its well-wishers, on the following email and facebook ID- nampet(2025)@gmail.com and nampetalk respectively. "We can access these emails after the govt accepts our offer and extends its cooperation," said Abhay.

The statement, dated August 15, mentioned that it was being released late "due to certain reasons".

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