Maoists Offer "Temporary Suspension Of Armed Struggle", Call For Talks With Centre
The banned CPI Maoists, operating from shadows for decades, depleting the country of its life blood, are apparently suing for peace - cornered after sustained crackdown by security forces
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- From: India News Bull
New Delhi:
The outlawed CPI Maoists, who have operated clandestinely for decades and drained the nation's resources, appear to be seeking peace - finding themselves cornered after persistent operations by security forces. A press note dated a month ago that has recently emerged offers a unilateral and "temporary suspension of armed struggle," indicating their readiness for peace negotiations with the Central government.
The statement, dated August 15, 2025, which NDTV has obtained access to, was issued by Maoist central spokesperson Abhay. It announces their willingness to suspend violence for one month, during which peace discussions could be initiated with a committee appointed by the government.
According to the note, jailed Maoist leaders should be permitted to participate in the talks, and it cautions that continued police pressure and encounters during this period would jeopardize the dialogue process. They have provided an email address requesting a response from the Centre.
The organization has also called for the release of political detainees, safe passage for their members, and guarantees that negotiations will be substantial. They have requested a month to coordinate with their imprisoned and underground comrades.
Context Of The Statement
This communication comes at a time when security forces have made significant progress in eliminating Maoism, aligning with Union Home Minister Amit Shah's commitment.
This year delivered some of the most devastating strikes against Maoists in recent decades.
In February, security personnel eliminated 31 Maoists in Indravati National Park within Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district.
The major offensive in Chhattisgarh's Abujhmad, one of the Maoists' oldest strongholds, occurred in May. Security forces neutralized 28 Maoists - including prominent leader Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju - severely weakening the insurgency's leadership.
On Monday, during an intense encounter in Jharkhand, the elite CRPF CoBRA commandos eliminated Central Committee member Sahdev Soren, who had a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head.
In Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, CRPF and Maharashtra Police Commandos have neutralized numerous long-standing PLGA guerrillas, dismantling one of the Maoists' oldest formations.
Government sources have welcomed the ceasefire as a "positive development" and may engage rights groups and civil society intermediaries to initiate discussions. However, New Delhi has clearly stated that the objective remains to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism by March 2026.
Official Perspectives
Senior government officials from Chhattisgarh have cautioned that the letter's authenticity remains under verification. "If confirmed, it would represent a significant shift in their position," a source stated.
There are also concerns that the proposed ceasefire, if genuine, might be a strategic maneuver by the Maoists to regroup and strengthen their position.
Maoism - Approaching Conclusion?
The Maoist insurgency began with the 1967 uprising in Bengal's Naxalbari and evolved into India's most prolonged internal security challenge. Over decades, it expanded - stretching from Andhra Pradesh to Nepal - creating the notorious Naxal corridor. The states along this route -- Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha - became Maoist strongholds, gaining support from marginalized tribal and rural communities.
If negotiations with the government succeed, conflict-affected tribal regions could finally see the development of permanent infrastructure, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and economic growth instead of landmines and ambushes.
For Adivasi communities, this ceasefire could potentially secure long-denied land rights, forest rights, and compensation. Nevertheless, trust remains fragile, with both parties bearing the scars of decades-long violence.