Maoists agree for peace talks with govt, demand ‘conducive atmosphere�?in second letter

Rashmi Drolia / Apr 10, 2025, 00:55 IST

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Maoists agree for peace talks with govt, demand ‘conducive atmosphere�?in second letter

Raipur: Maoists have issued second letter within a week proposing their willingness to engage in peace talks with the govt, on Wednesday, asserting that any such dialogue can only proceed if a "conducive atmosphere" is created—something they claim the govt has so far failed to ensure.
The letter, signed by Maoist Rupesh, in-charge of the Northwest Sub-Zonal Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), emphasized, "While the party is not averse to peace negotiations, the current conditions in Bastar—marked by ongoing killings and security operations—make talks practically impossible."
The letter went on to reject Deputy Chief minister Vijay Sharma's dismissal of their demand for a conducive atmosphere as a prerequisite for talks. "Without a peaceful environment, no negotiation can succeed. The government's insistence on continuing its repressive policies and portraying surrender as a solution to the problem must be opposed," it added.
The agendas that Sharma has raised, can be discussed during the talks.

"We are ready for peace talks, but the government has dismissed our conditions, making it unfeasible," the statement reads. "Creating a favourable environment is the govt's responsibility if it truly wishes to end the bloodshed in Bastar."
The Maoists stated that discussions on peace fall within the purview of their Central Committee (CC) and Sub-Zonal and State Committees (SJDC). They blamed operational limitations and security concerns for the delay in their response to media discussions around peace dialogues.
Maoists stressed that peace cannot be achieved amidst continuous combing operations, and that meaningful dialogue requires a temporary halt to "military campaigns". The Maoists also claimed they want to consult local leadership and senior cadre before any further steps, which is impossible under the current pressure.
The Maoists appealed to democratic forces, human rights organizations, journalists, and intellectuals to support their demand for a fair setting for peace talks. They also called upon members of the government-appointed peace committees to help push the process forward.
Rebutting accusations of anti-development, the Maoists claimed they never opposed schools, hospitals, Anganwadi centers, or water and electricity facilities. "On the contrary, we have often urged smooth functioning of public services and even assisted efforts to tackle malnutrition and access to education," the letter claimed.
They also rejected the notion that their leadership is fleeing to other states, calling such reports part of a psychological war. "No one has abandoned responsibilities. Our comrade Renuka, despite being unwell, stayed back and sacrificed her life for the people," the note said.
Message to Security Forces
In a surprising note of conciliation, the Maoists also addressed security personnel directly: "We have never considered police personnel as enemies. It's a manufactured conflict. Do not open fire on your own people."
The letter concluded with a message to the PLGA (People's Liberation Guerrilla Army) cadres and party ranks, urging them to maintain discipline and avoid provocation unless a genuine signal of peace is received from the govt. If such a signal comes, a ceasefire will be implemented, and further steps towards talks will be clarified in due course.
Earlier on April 2, Maoist central committee spokesperson Abhay had issued a letter for a halt to "military ops" in central India and initiated peace talks with the govt.
Alleging that the security operation has resulted in "mass killings, arrests, and violent crackdowns", the letter stated, "Over 400 Maoist leaders, activists, and tribal civilians have been killed in counter-insurgency operations. Women cadres have allegedly faced mass sexual violence and executions."
Chhattisgarh deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma told TOI that the Maoist offer, as it stands, isn't worth considering and the letter has to be checked.
"On previous occasions, Maoists have asked for peace talks, loading the govt with conditions like ‘pack the security forces into barracks and don't let them out for six months.' Such demands can never be considered. In reality, neither the state nor Centre wishes to fire even a single bullet and if Maoists sincerely intend to have peace talks, then they better constitute a committee or designate a person for the talks without conditions," Sharma reasoned.
"It's absolutely wrong of Maoists to accuse govt of deploying ‘Army', allege ‘sexual harassment' and talk of things ‘unconstitutional'. It's the Maoists who are not constitutional," Sharma told TOI.
Raipur: Maoists have issued second letter within a week proposing their willingness to engage in peace talks with the govt, on Wednesday, asserting that any such dialogue can only proceed if a "conducive atmosphere" is created—something they claim the govt has so far failed to ensure.
The letter, signed by Maoist Rupesh, in-charge of the Northwest Sub-Zonal Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), emphasized, "While the party is not averse to peace negotiations, the current conditions in Bastar—marked by ongoing killings and security operations—make talks practically impossible."
The letter went on to reject Deputy Chief minister Vijay Sharma's dismissal of their demand for a conducive atmosphere as a prerequisite for talks. "Without a peaceful environment, no negotiation can succeed. The government's insistence on continuing its repressive policies and portraying surrender as a solution to the problem must be opposed," it added.
The agendas that Sharma has raised, can be discussed during the talks.
"We are ready for peace talks, but the government has dismissed our conditions, making it unfeasible," the statement reads. "Creating a favourable environment is the govt's responsibility if it truly wishes to end the bloodshed in Bastar."
The Maoists stated that discussions on peace fall within the purview of their Central Committee (CC) and Sub-Zonal and State Committees (SJDC). They blamed operational limitations and security concerns for the delay in their response to media discussions around peace dialogues.
Maoists stressed that peace cannot be achieved amidst continuous combing operations, and that meaningful dialogue requires a temporary halt to "military campaigns". The Maoists also claimed they want to consult local leadership and senior cadre before any further steps, which is impossible under the current pressure.
The Maoists appealed to democratic forces, human rights organizations, journalists, and intellectuals to support their demand for a fair setting for peace talks. They also called upon members of the government-appointed peace committees to help push the process forward.
Rebutting accusations of anti-development, the Maoists claimed they never opposed schools, hospitals, Anganwadi centers, or water and electricity facilities. "On the contrary, we have often urged smooth functioning of public services and even assisted efforts to tackle malnutrition and access to education," the letter claimed.
They also rejected the notion that their leadership is fleeing to other states, calling such reports part of a psychological war. "No one has abandoned responsibilities. Our comrade Renuka, despite being unwell, stayed back and sacrificed her life for the people," the note said.
Message to Security Forces
In a surprising note of conciliation, the Maoists also addressed security personnel directly: "We have never considered police personnel as enemies. It's a manufactured conflict. Do not open fire on your own people."
The letter concluded with a message to the PLGA (People's Liberation Guerrilla Army) cadres and party ranks, urging them to maintain discipline and avoid provocation unless a genuine signal of peace is received from the govt. If such a signal comes, a ceasefire will be implemented, and further steps towards talks will be clarified in due course.
Earlier on April 2, Maoist central committee spokesperson Abhay had issued a letter for a halt to "military ops" in central India and initiated peace talks with the govt.
Alleging that the security operation has resulted in "mass killings, arrests, and violent crackdowns", the letter stated, "Over 400 Maoist leaders, activists, and tribal civilians have been killed in counter-insurgency operations. Women cadres have allegedly faced mass sexual violence and executions."
Chhattisgarh deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma told TOI that the Maoist offer, as it stands, isn't worth considering and the letter has to be checked.
"On previous occasions, Maoists have asked for peace talks, loading the govt with conditions like ‘pack the security forces into barracks and don't let them out for six months.' Such demands can never be considered. In reality, neither the state nor Centre wishes to fire even a single bullet and if Maoists sincerely intend to have peace talks, then they better constitute a committee or designate a person for the talks without conditions," Sharma reasoned.
"It's absolutely wrong of Maoists to accuse govt of deploying ‘Army', allege ‘sexual harassment' and talk of things ‘unconstitutional'. It's the Maoists who are not constitutional," Sharma told TOI.

About the Author

Rashmi Drolia

Rashmi is a Special Correspondent with The Times of India in Chhattisgarh. She covers Politics, Left Wing Extremism, Crime and Human Rights among other areas of news value.

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