Raipur, September 18: A purported letter from the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) has offered to give up arms and seek peace talks with the government under certain conditions, officials in Chhattisgarh said on Tuesday.
The statement, attributed to CPI (Maoist) spokesperson Abhay, said the group was declaring a temporary halt to its armed struggle in view of “changed world and country’s circumstances” and appeals from the prime minister, home minister and senior police officials.
The letter said the Maoists were ready to hold talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah or his representatives, and that they would form a delegation of cadres, including both supporters and dissenters, to participate in the process. It also reiterated a demand that government search operations be suspended for a month as a precondition.
Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed the government had taken note of the communication. “There are some new elements in the letter. We are verifying its contents,” he told reporters.
Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) P. Sundarraj said the authenticity of the letter was being examined. “Any decision on engagement or dialogue with the CPI (Maoist) lies solely with the government, which will take an appropriate call after due consideration,” he said.
The development comes as Maoists face mounting pressure from sustained security operations in the Bastar region and a leadership vacuum following the killing of former general secretary Basavaraju. The group has made similar overtures for peace talks in the past, including a May 10 appeal for a one-month ceasefire, which officials said went unanswered.
