Maoists propose ceasefire for peace talks as security forces surround Karreguttalu

Hyderabad: With no response from the Centre and the Chhattisgarh government to their peace talk proposals, Maoists have now turned to civil society, urging them to convince Union Home Minister Amit Shah to declare a ceasefire for peace negotiations.

Since the launch of Operation Kagar, Maoists have issued two appeals for peace talks. In a letter released Wednesday by the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee, the group confirmed losing at least 26 cadres over the past month during operations in the Karregutta hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.

The letter revealed that they have been unable to convene their core committee meeting as their cadres and leadership remain scattered due to security forces surrounding the Karregutta hills from all sides. The ultras welcomed the Telangana government's initiative to engage with peace committee members.

"On May 7, 22 comrades were martyred in the massacre brutally carried out by government armed forces in Karregutta. With this, the number of our comrades who were martyred in the Karregutta operation has reached 26," said CPI Maoists party's central committee spokesperson, Abhay.

"While peace talks are continuing on one side, we appeal to the people of the country and democratic forces to strongly condemn this ongoing massacre. In reality, no law gives the government the authority to shoot and kill those who carry weapons. They should know why they are going to great lengths to cover up this fact and turn the truth upside down, but they will never succeed in this," he said.

Abhay added that regarding laying down weapons and joining the mainstream, "This is not a decision that can be made by any individual in the party. Our party functions democratically."

"In the situation where lakhs of police, paramilitary, and commando forces are surrounding our movement areas in Operation Kagar, there is no opportunity for even our party core to meet, discuss this issue, and make a decision. That is why I proposed a time-bound ceasefire," Abhay continued.

"I mentioned that it is impossible to lay down arms and come for talks with the government in a situation where there is no protection for the people or our party cadres. Therefore, if a ceasefire is announced from both sides, our party central leadership will have the opportunity to meet, discuss, and make decisions on all issues," he said.

Abhay requested that the Central and State governments understand this matter and agree to announce a time-bound ceasefire and engage in peace talks.

This matter has been communicated to Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma by Comrade Rupesh, in-charge of the party's Dandakaranya North-Western Sub-Zonal Bureau, through press statements and letters.

Nevertheless, the Modi government continued Operation Kagar with the goal of eliminating the party by March 31, 2026.

"If the government has the sincere intention to resolve the people's issues brought forward by our party through peace talks, finding proper solutions to problems, and reaching an agreement, then there will be no basis for state violence and our armed struggle in the revolutionary movement areas," said Abhay.

"The Modi government should clarify whether it is willing to resolve issues through peace talks or not," Abhay asked.

He an appealed "to the people of India, revolutionaries, progressives, democrats, peace-lovers, journalists, social organizations, activists, tribal well-wishers, and international revolutionary and democratic forces to come forward to convince the Modi government to stop Operation Kagar and conduct peace talks for the resolution of people's issues".