In a significant development, the CPI (Maoist) Telangana State Committee has announced a six-month unilateral ceasefire, effective immediately, as it seeks to open dialogue with the government. The declaration, made public through a press release was signed by Jagan, the committee’s spokesperson.
The decision comes in the wake of mounting pressure from the multi-pronged anti-Maoist offensive—Operation Kagar—currently underway in the Karreguttalu hillocks, a strategic Maoist stronghold near the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border. Recent security operations have led to considerable Maoist losses, including the killing of 26 cadres in a single encounter and the destruction of several arms caches and training camps.
Citing a growing public demand to end violence, the Maoist spokesperson stated that recent casualties compelled the party to reconsider its approach. The ceasefire, Jagan explained, was declared to prevent further bloodshed and respond to appeals from democratic forces, civil society organisations and political parties urging dialogue over confrontation.
Political leaders across the spectrum have echoed the call for peace talks. Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy previously expressed openness to dialogue, while BRS leaders K Chandrasekhar Rao and K Kavitha also supported the idea.
The CPI organised statewide meetings with other Left parties, demanding an immediate halt to Operation Kagar. During its silver jubilee celebration, the BRS joined in, reiterating the need for talks.
Operation Kagar, launched in 2023, represents one of the most aggressive crackdowns on Maoist activities in recent years. Joint forces—including the CRPF, CoBRA commandos and state police—have employed advanced surveillance technologies, drone reconnaissance and real-time intelligence to penetrate previously impenetrable forest terrain and disrupt Maoist networks.
The once-elusive cadres—who survived for years through guerrilla warfare, tribal support and deep forest cover—have found their mobility increasingly constrained. In retaliation for recent setbacks, the Maoists carried out a deadly landmine attack in Mulugu, Telangana, near the Chhattisgarh border, killing three policemen. The attack, occurring just a day after the major Karreguttalu encounter, underscored the group’s desperation and continued resistance.
Nevertheless, in their statement, the Maoists urged the government to reciprocate their ceasefire by forming a peace committee to initiate structured talks.
“Dialogue is a democratic means to resolve conflict and establish peace,” Jagan noted, highlighting the chorus of intellectuals, political voices, and civil organisations calling for negotiation.
The ceasefire is widely viewed as a strategic shift in the Maoist playbook, acknowledging both their military vulnerabilities and the growing public sentiment against violence.
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