In a significant development amid the Centre’s intensified anti-Maoist drive, the CPI (Maoist) leadership has appealed to three state governments to temporarily halt security operations until February 15 next year to enable members of the organisation to surrender and engage in internal discussions.
Sources in the intelligence agencies said the request was made in a letter issued by Anant, spokesperson for the Maharashtra–Madhya Pradesh–Chhattisgarh (MMC) Special Zonal Committee, and addressed to the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. The letter claims that a large number of cadres are willing to lay down arms if provided a short, interruption-free window.
The appeal comes at a time when the Union government has set an ambitious target—complete eradication of Maoist activity by March 31 next year. Over the past few months, joint forces have carried out operations in Maoist-affected regions across multiple states. These efforts have prompted surrenders and reduced Maoist presence in several strongholds of the outlawed outfit.
The request also follows the killing of senior Maoist commander Madvi Hidma in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh—considered one of the most significant blows to the organisation in recent years.
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In the letter, Anant references several high-profile surrenders, including those of Central Committee members Mallajula Venugopal Rao alias Sonu and Pulluri Prasad Rao. He notes that the organisation has already signalled a desire to temporarily suspend armed struggle and claims that many members now wish to join government rehabilitation schemes.
However, the leadership insists that discussions must be held across all levels of the organisation before a final decision is made. For this reason, they argue, a pause in operations until February 15 is essential.
Also Read: Seven more Maoists killed in AP encounter after Hidma eliminated
The MMC spokesperson emphasised that the request carries no ulterior intent. As a gesture of goodwill, the organisation has also announced that it will not observe its annual ‘People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army Week’ this year—a symbolic move intended to reinforce its sincerity.
The Maoists further note that the requested time frame falls within the deadline set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah for decisively weakening Naxal influence, urging the three states to show restraint and temporarily halt security actions.
Officials of security agencies said that the Maoist organisation’s operational strength has already declined significantly due to sustained pressure and a rising number of surrenders. Whether the three states will agree to the proposed suspension remains unclear. But the letter itself signals that the prolonged conflict may be entering a new, potentially decisive phase.
Also Read: Top Naxal commander Madvi Hidma killed in Andhra encounter
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