Maoist Ceasefire Exposed Within 24 Hours, Two Civilians Killed in Chhattisgarh
The Maoists' dramatic ceasefire offer has collapsed within a day of its announcement, with two civilians brutally killed in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur and Dantewada districts
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The recently announced Maoist ceasefire has fallen apart just 24 hours after its declaration. (Representational)
New Delhi:
The much-publicized ceasefire proposal from Maoist rebels collapsed barely a day after its announcement, with the brutal murders of two civilians in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur and Dantewada districts. These killings, executed during the night of September 16-17, directly contradict the insurgents' public commitment to suspend violence for peace negotiations.
Civilian Deaths in Bijapur and Dantewada
In Bijapur, members of the Bhairamgarh Area Committee killed Dashru Ram Oyam, deputy sarpanch of Bencharam panchayat. The attack occurred approximately eight kilometers west of Jangla police station and six kilometers north of the Darbha Central Armed Forces camp. The rebels accused Oyam of collaborating with police forces.
Simultaneously in Dantewada district, operatives from the Malangir Area Committee murdered Bandi Korram from Nilawaya village. Korram was forcibly removed from his home and killed based on allegations of being a police informer. Nilawaya is situated five kilometers north of the Potali Central Armed Forces camp. These incidents demonstrate the Maoists' continued targeting of villagers suspected of assisting security personnel, despite their announced ceasefire.
Intensified Security Response Planned
High-ranking officials informed NDTV that counter-insurgency operations in the Bastar region will now be strengthened. "These killings demonstrate the Maoists' lack of genuine commitment. Security forces will maintain heightened vigilance," a source revealed. Home Minister Amit Shah has previously set a March 2026 deadline for security forces to eradicate Maoist presence from India.
Exclusive Maoist Audio Message
NDTV has obtained an exclusive eight-minute audio recording from Maoist spokesperson Abhay, reaffirming their ceasefire proposal. This represents the first audio statement ever issued by the central leadership of the Maoist organization. In the message, Abhay maintains that the insurgents are prepared for peace dialogues, even as the twin killings reveal the disconnect between their public statements and actual operations.
Just yesterday, the rebels had distributed a statement dated August 15, declaring their willingness to suspend armed activities for negotiations. That announcement had been viewed as a potential turning point after decades of conflict.
The consecutive murders within 24 hours of the ceasefire declaration cast significant doubt on the Maoists' true intentions. Experts note that the contradiction between the rebels' communication and their actions highlights the significant obstacles to establishing meaningful peace talks.