Hyderabad, March 14 (NationPress) Renowned Maoist figure Devuji, also referred to as Thippiri Tirupati, who recently emerged from his underground existence to reintegrate into society, has urged the government to consider lifting the prohibition on the Communist Party of India (Maoist). He asserted that the organization is prepared to operate legally and disband its militant faction if granted political opportunities.

Having spent 44 years in hiding, Thippiri Tirupati, known as Devuji, was a member of the Politburo and Central Committee, and led the Central Military Commission of the outlawed CPI (Maoist).

Following the federal government’s directive mandating the eradication of Maoism by March 31, Devuji, along with others, surrendered last month.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, he discussed the current anti-Maoist initiatives, prospects for peace negotiations, and the future trajectory of the movement.

When questioned about Operation KAGAR and the authenticity of related encounters—which some leftist groups have challenged—Devuji remarked that the majority of these incidents were not legitimate.

“The encounters are predominantly fabricated,” he asserted.

He also noted that the Congress-led government in Telangana appears to be “relatively lenient” compared to prior regimes and has taken what he perceives as a “constructive step” towards curbing bloodshed associated with Operation KAGAR.

Regarding the Central government’s ultimatum of March 31 to terminate left-wing extremism, Devuji suggested that the long-standing insurgency could conclude if the government lifted the ban on the Maoist party and permitted it to engage in open political discourse.

“Numerous local civil society groups, community organizations, and activists have been advocating for an end to operations, cessation of encounters, and for Maoists to be engaged in dialogue rather than targeted. These demands have sometimes surfaced in public demonstrations,” he stated.

“We are open to peace negotiations. We have repeatedly expressed our readiness for discussions. Why is bloodshed necessary?” he inquired.

Devuji also called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to cease Operation KAGAR and avert further violence.

“End Operation KAGAR and stop the bloodshed. We are also prepared to engage in talks and express our demands,” he expressed.

Reflecting on his choice to emerge from his clandestine life, Devuji indicated his intention to work openly among the people rather than stay hidden.

“I had been in hiding for many years; now I am in the public eye to serve the people,” he stated.

When queried about the potential for eradicating Maoism by the government's deadline, Devuji responded that the ideology cannot be extinguished merely by ending armed conflict.

“Maoism is an ideology. It’s universal. It’s not as if Maoism will vanish if we lay down our arms. An ideology is not dependent on weaponry,” he clarified.

Devuji also disclosed that he recently met with the Chief Minister of Telangana, Revanth Reddy, and articulated several demands, including the lifting of the ban on the Maoist organization, recognizing it as a “political party,” designating imprisoned Maoist leaders and activists as “political prisoners,” and releasing them, as well as providing assistance to the families of those who perished in the movement.

“The Chief Minister informed us that this matter transcends state boundaries and that only the Central government can make decisions in such cases. I urged him to communicate with Home Minister Amit Shah regarding our concerns,” Devuji stated.

He also clarified that he and his associates do not aim to seek electoral positions or endorse any specific political party.

“We do not wish to affiliate with any political party or support any leader or aspire to become an MLA or MP; however, we do desire to serve the community,” he concluded.