Are Left Parties Demanding a Judicial Probe and Ceasing Anti-Naxal Operations in Chhattisgarh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Joint condemnation of extrajudicial killings
- Call for a judicial inquiry
- Demand for cessation of anti-Naxal operations
- Encouragement for political dialogue
- Solidarity protest scheduled for June 2
Chennai, May 26 (NationPress) Four prominent Left-leaning and Dalit political parties — Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), Communist Party of India (CPI), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation [CPI(ML) Liberation] — have collectively denounced what they describe as “massacres under the guise of anti-Naxal operations” in Chhattisgarh and have declared a joint protest in Chennai on June 2.
In a strongly-worded joint statement released on Monday, the parties accused both the central and Chhattisgarh state governments of conducting extrajudicial killings.
Referring to a recent incident on May 22 where 27 individuals were allegedly killed in a supposed encounter, they raised serious concerns regarding these security operations.
“Even as Maoist groups have shown a willingness to engage in peace talks, the Centre and State governments are intensifying armed offensives. Such tactics are intolerable in a democratic setup,” the statement asserted.
The joint statement was made by P. Shanmugam (State Secretary, CPI-M), R. Mutharasan (State Secretary, CPI), Thol. Thirumavalavan (Lok Sabha MP and President, VCK), and Pazha Aasaithambi (State Secretary, CPI(ML) Liberation).
The leaders called for an immediate cessation of all military operations against Maoist factions and urged both the Centre and state governments to initiate political discussions to resolve the ongoing conflict.
They also demanded a thorough judicial investigation into all claims of fake encounters, emphasizing that accountability is crucial to uphold the rule of law and democratic values.
To advocate for these demands, the four parties announced a collective protest demonstration scheduled for June 2 in Chennai.
They invited all democratic and civil society organizations to join their protest in solidarity with the pursuit of justice, human rights, and the safeguarding of indigenous communities.
The leaders further alleged that current operations are not only targeting Maoist groups but are also aimed at suppressing Adivasi communities resisting the exploitation of forest land and natural resources.
“This is not just counter-insurgency; it is a deliberate campaign to displace tribal populations and stifle those who advocate for their rights,” they contended.
While distancing themselves from Maoist ideologies and violent methods, the parties characterized the actions of the Chhattisgarh administration as a severe misuse of state authority and a threat to India's democratic structure.