Chhattisgarh: Maoists Seek Peace Talks Before HM Shah's Visit
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Synopsis
Ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Bastar, the Maoists have expressed a desire for peace talks, contingent upon the cessation of government operations against them. Chhattisgarh's Deputy Chief Minister responded positively but emphasized that discussions must be unconditional and aligned with constitutional principles.
Key Takeaways
- The Maoists are open to peace talks before HM Shah's visit.
- 400 comrades have died in the last 15 months.
- Deputy CM Vijay Sharma emphasizes talks must be unconditional.
- Negotiations must adhere to the Indian Constitution.
- Shah aims to eradicate LWE by March 31, 2026.
Raipur, April 2 (NationPress) In anticipation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's upcoming trip to Bastar in Chhattisgarh, the Maoists have signaled their readiness to engage in peace discussions.
A representative from the Maoist central committee released a pamphlet, printed in Telugu, in the capital city of Raipur.
He acknowledged that 400 of their comrades have lost their lives over the last 15 months.
The spokesperson confirmed their willingness to enter peace talks, contingent upon the government halting its ongoing operations against them (the Maoists).
Amit Shah's visit to the state is slated for April 4-5.
During the visit, he will conduct a review meeting concerning the ongoing anti-LWE initiatives in the region.
Chhattisgarh’s Deputy Chief Minister, Vijay Sharma, who also serves as the state Home Minister, responded positively, affirming the government’s readiness for constructive dialogue but highlighted that such discussions should occur without any preconditions.
He stressed that if the Maoists sincerely wish to reintegrate into mainstream society, they must openly and transparently declare their terms for engagement.
Sharma further clarified that any potential dialogue must strictly adhere to the principles outlined in the Indian Constitution.
He warned that negotiations rooted in extremist ideologies, or those that attempt to impose a parallel system, would make the talks unfeasible.
In the pamphlets, the Maoist spokesperson disclosed that the LWEs convened in Hyderabad on March 24, where they agreed to propose peace negotiations without any preconditions and to announce a ceasefire following the discussions.
The spokesperson also mentioned that Chhattisgarh's Home Minister, Vijay Sharma, had previously initiated peace talk efforts.
However, when Vikalpa, a representative of the Maoist organization and member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, demanded that security forces remain confined to their camps as a prerequisite for the talks, the government had not responded.
Continued operations led to the deaths of over 400 leaders, commanders, and fighters, with hundreds more arrested.
The spokesperson indicated that the Maoists are now keen to engage in peace talks in the interest of the public.
He urged both the central and state governments to foster a conducive environment for negotiations by ceasing operations and establishing new armed forces camps in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra (Gadchiroli), Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana.
During his visits to Raipur and Jagdalpur in August and December 2024, Union Home Minister Amit Shah issued strong warnings to the Maoists, urging them to surrender their arms. He firmly stated that any acts of violence would be met with decisive action from security forces.
Home Minister Shah also announced an ambitious timeline, declaring that LWE would be eradicated from the nation by March 31, 2026.
Following this announcement, anti-LWE operations in Bastar have significantly intensified, reflecting the government's commitment to tackling the insurgency.
