Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government has reiterated its openness to peace talks with the outlawed CPI-Maoist, but only without preconditions, following the group’s recent ceasefire proposals. The CPI (Maoist) has issued multiple letters since March 2025, offering a month-long truce and dialogue if the government halts its anti-Naxal operations, particularly ‘Operation Kagar,’ and stops establishing new security camps. The Maoists claim over 400 of their cadres and civilians have been killed in the past 15 months, alleging “genocide” in tribal areas.
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma dismissed the Maoists’ conditions, emphasizing that talks must align with constitutional values. “We are ready for dialogue 24/7, but there’s no war-like situation to justify their ceasefire demands,” Sharma said, urging Maoists to surrender under the state’s rehabilitation policy. He questioned the authenticity of the letters and accused the Maoists of unconstitutional actions, stating, “They must form a committee or send a representative for meaningful talks.” Sharma also refuted claims of mass killings or sexual violence, calling them propaganda.
The Centre, led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, remains steadfast in its goal to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026. During recent visits to Chhattisgarh, Shah urged Maoists to lay down arms and join the mainstream, promising rehabilitation. However, he emphasized a “ruthless strategy” to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism, with intensified operations in Bastar yielding significant results. In 2024, 219 Maoists were killed in Chhattisgarh, and since December 2023, 365 cadres have been neutralized, 1,382 arrested, and 2,306 surrendered, reflecting the government’s aggressive stance.
Security officials suspect the Maoists’ peace offers are a tactic to regroup amid heavy losses. Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj P, called the proposals a “time-buying tactic,” insisting that genuine intent requires surrendering weapons. Over 200 civil society groups have urged both sides for a ceasefire, but the government’s focus remains on dismantling Maoist networks. As operations like the ongoing 24,000-personnel mission near the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border continue, the Centre and state signal no pause in their offensive to meet the 2026 deadline.
