File photo for representational purpose.
Credit: PTI photo
Hyderabad: With the Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s March deadline to eradicate Naxalism in the country approaching, the Maoists operating in the Maharashtra–Madhya Pradesh–Chhattisgarh (MMC) region have appealed for time until February 15, 2026, to lay down arms.
In a detailed letter addressed to the chief ministers of the three states, the MMC Special Zonal Committee of the CPI (Maoist) announced its intent to suspend armed operations and embrace the government's rehabilitation plan.
The letter, issued by spokesperson Anant on Saturday, came to light on Monday, seeks the consent of the respective state governments to facilitate a peaceful and phased disarmament process.
The appeal follows a series of major setbacks for the banned outfit, including the death of the dreaded PLGA Battalion 1 commander Madvi Hidma, one of the most wanted Naxal leaders, in an encounter with security forces in the Andhra forest region earlier this month.
The development is being seen as a significant blow to the group’s operational network across the Red Corridor.
This also comes at a time when internal divisions have surfaced over the question of disarmament, with senior figures like former Central Committee leader Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias Sonu Dada drawing criticism for advocating surrender.
Rao himself later surrendered with 60 cadres and huge cache of arms before Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis just days ago.
Anant’s statement said the regional committee had endorsed the recent decision of senior Maoist leaders Sonu Dada, and another central committee member Pulluri Prasad Rao alias Chandranna who also recently surrendered in Telangana to temporarily halt armed struggle.
“We intend to lay down arms and accept the government’s rehabilitation and new path plan,” the letter read.
However, the MMC committee sought time until February 15, 2026, citing internal organizational procedures. “As our party abides by democratic centralism, collective consultation takes time. Communication with all comrades is slow due to limited means,” Anant stated.
He clarified that the request had no hidden motive and falls well within the government’s deadline of March 31, 2026, for eliminating Maoism nationwide.
The letter urged the three state governments to suspend anti-Naxal operations and informer activity during this period, especially during the forthcoming People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Week.
The Maoists have assured that they will not celebrate the event this year and will keep all operations suspended. “A climate of restraint and mutual goodwill will help both sides reach a positive outcome,” Anant wrote.
The Maoist representative also requested that the governments broadcast the appeal and their response through radio which is the group’s only accessible communication medium.
The letter further asked the state administrations to allow a meeting involving public representatives and journalists to fix a joint date for surrender and rehabilitation.
“If the security forces temporarily suspend operations until then, it will create a conducive environment for this process,” the letter said.
“Once we receive the governments’ response, we will issue another press release announcing the date of disarmament,” the letter said.
The statement also appealed to senior Maoist leaders Sonu Dada and Satish Dada to formally submit the proposal to the respective state governments and seek time for discussions.
The committee has called upon journalists, YouTubers, and public figures to mediate between the government and the Maoists and to promote transparency in the process.