Naxalites propose 1-month ceasefire for peace talks in their third statement

Raipur: In the third letter within the past fortnight, the Communist Party of India (Maoist) has expressed its willingness to enter into peace negotiations with the govt.

Through a letter dated April 17 by its North-West Sub-Zonal Bureau, the insurgent group has called for a one-month ceasefire in Chhattisgarh to create a "conducive environment" for dialogue and a permanent resolution through mutual understanding.

The latest letter, signed by Rupesh, the in-charge of the Maoists' North-West Sub-Zonal Bureau, acknowledges deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma's positive response to their earlier overture and requests a suspension of armed operations by the gov for a month.

"Violence cannot be the path to resolution," the letter states, suggesting the formation of a joint representative committee of govt and Maoist leaders to facilitate structured dialogue. The Maoists have demanded that security forces halt operations in sensitive areas during the proposed ceasefire, arguing that continuing military action undermines the spirit of dialogue.

The letter cites incidents on April 12 and 16, in which they allege tribal civilians were killed during combing operations, despite their peace offer. The statement also appeals to human rights organisations and democratic groups to support their peace call and assist in building momentum for constructive negotiations.